Hanu-Man (also marketed as HanuMan) is a 2024 Indian Telugu-language superhero film written and directed by Prasanth Varma and produced by Primeshow Entertainment.
[6] It stars Teja Sajja in the title role, alongside Amritha Aiyer, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Samuthirakani, Vinay Rai, Vennela Kishore and Raj Deepak Shetty.
The narrative follows Hanumanthu, who gains the powers of Hanuman to protect the people of Anjanadri, ultimately facing off against Michael after encountering a mysterious gem.
The film features music composed by GowraHari and Anudeep Dev, cinematography by Dasaradhi Sivendra, visual effects supervision by Venkat Kumar Jetty, and editing by Sai Babu Talari.
Released on 12 January 2024, during Sankranti, Hanu-Man received positive reviews for Prasanth Varma's direction, screenplay, the cast's performances, the portrayal of Hanuman, background score, visual effects, production design, and action sequences.
Hanumanthu, gaining the attention of Meenakshi since childhood under disguise, foils the ambush but is severely injured and thrown into the sea, where he accidentally acquires the divine gem.
Hanumanthu tries to prove to Meenakshi that he is her saviour, leading to comical situations, and while she remains sceptical, Kasi realizes his newfound powers.
Sensing a threat to Meenakshi, Hanumanthu is suddenly kidnapped by Siri, who demands the source of his powers while Michael monitors them remotely.
In the aftermath, the destruction of the gem triggers the rise of Asuras (demons) and the awakening of Lord Hanuman himself, who emerges from the Himalayas and appears before Hanumanthu, signalling the beginning of a great battle.
[19] During the teaser launch event held in Hyderabad in November 2022, Varma revealed that the production budget increased six times from the initial valuation.
[32] Prior to starting the first shooting schedule, the team had constructed a studio in a leased land at Vattinagulapally located in Telangana, for filming green screen shots.
[citation needed] Teja Sajja played the titular character Hanumanthu, a superhero, and sported long hair and bearded look.
[citation needed] The film also features Vennela Kishore, Satya, Getup Srinu, Raj Deepak Shetty, Koushik Mahata and Bhanu Prakash in pivotal roles.
[60] The picturization of "Anjandri Theme Song" was storyboarded in 2D, but inspired by the visual effects of Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, team decided to give it a 3D feel and roped in Eitri Studio.
[72] The film, featuring Teja Sajja as the titular character, revolves around Hanumanthu, a small-time thief, and his journey to save his village and the world after discovering a totem that enhances his abilities.
"[75] The film borrows elements from Indian mythology, mostly from the Ramayana and the depictions of Hanuman and his exploits in the various oral and written traditions of Hinduism.
DNA India wrote "despite the vociferous proclamations of Jai Shri Ram and songs borrowing lyrics from popular bhajans, HanuMan is not a religious film.
Varma says, "the film's idea was born out of a small story related to Hanuman and it will leave audience thoroughly satisfied with the visualisation of the character, like how we have imagined him since childhood.
So I thought, it'd be interesting if I could create new characters and narrate their greatness at the same time", Varma told PTI following the film's release.
[76][80] The film pays tribute to Telugu superstars such as Prabhas, Mahesh Babu, Pawan Kalyan, Allu Arjun, and Nandamuri Balakrishna.
[89] Lyrics are written by Krishna Kanth,[90] Simhachalam Mannela,[91] Hanumath Ramadootha Strotam, Siva Shakthi Datta,[92] Kasarla Shyam,[93] and Tripuraneni Kalyanachakravarthy.
[95] Teaser launch event was held at AMB Cinemas., Hyderabad[96] The team introduced NFT collectibles on 13 December 2022, becoming the first Telugu film to do so.
[110] On sixth day, the team visited the Hanuman Mandir in New Delhi and interacted with the local media to promote their film in the region.
[126] Hanu-Man received positive reviews from critics who praised Prashanth Varma's direction, screenwriting, cast performances, visualization of Hanuman, background score, VFX, production design, and action sequences.
[127] Paul Nicodemus of The Times of India gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "With solid storytelling, impressive visuals, and strong performances, the film successfully merges elements of mythology with contemporary action, offering a unique viewing experience in Indian cinema.
"[128] Bhavana Sharma of Deccan Chronicle gave 3.5/5 and stated "HanuMan" stands as a solid entertainer with a rich tapestry of drama, emotions, and mythology skillfully woven together.
"[129] Sana Farzeen of India Today gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "The music is quite pleasant and the VFX department has done a fair job.
"[80] Abhimanyu Mathur of DNA India gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "HanuMan is a brilliant, visually stunning effort from Prasanth Varma in blending mythology with the superhero genre.
"[76] Rishil Jogani from Pinkvilla gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "HanuMan is the first surprise package of 2024 as director Prasanth Varma brings out his ambition to the big screen with utmost conviction.
"[133] Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu wrote that Director Prasanth Varma and actor Teja Sajja's superhero film blends the familiar good versus evil superpower template with a touch of devotion, and tops it with entertaining masala segments"[134] Ram Venkata Srikar of Film Companion wrote that "Hanu Man is an inspiring start, It might just be the biggest surprise for Sankranthi.