Hindi
Prasanth Varma’s ‘Hanu Man’: Five blockbuster facts that seal its success
Mumbai: Superhero movies have become a staple in the cinematic world, but Hanu Man brings a unique flavour to the table. Directed by Prasanth Varma, this 2024 Telugu-language superhero film, produced at a budget of 2-3 Cr has already grossed 80 Cr at the box office in India and 100 Cr worldwide, with a handsome contribution from Hindi depicting its universal appeal, and promises more than just action-packed sequences. If you’re still on the fence about watching it, here are five compelling reasons that might just convince you to grab your popcorn and immerse yourself in the world of Hanu Man at the cinemas:
A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
Hanu Man seamlessly blends the age-old tradition of devotional storytelling with a contemporary superhero narrative. Set in the fictional village of Anjanadri, the film introduces us to Hanumanthu, played convincingly by Teja Sajja, who undergoes a transformative journey fueled by ancient powers. The movie’s ability to intertwine tradition with modern superhero elements creates an intriguing narrative that stands out in the crowded genre.
Teja Sajja’s Versatile Performance
Teja Sajja’s portrayal of the titular character is a standout feature of Hanu Man. His versatile acting skills allow him to effortlessly switch between the carefree demeanour of a young man to the gravitas required for emotionally charged scenes. Sajja’s convincing performance as the superhero, coupled with meticulous styling, adds depth and relatability to the character, making the film a must-watch for his fans and superhero enthusiasts alike.
Engaging Supporting Cast
While Teja Sajja takes the spotlight, the supporting cast, including Amritha Aiyer, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, and Vinay Rai, play pivotal roles in enhancing the overall cinematic experience. Aiyer’s on-screen presence adds beauty and depth, while Sarathkumar’s performance as the hero’s sister is nothing short of fantastic. Vinay Rai, as the villain, brings intensity to the plot, creating a well-rounded ensemble that keeps the audience hooked from start to finish.
Directorial Brilliance of Prasanth Varma
Prasanth Varma’s directorial vision injects fresh energy into the superhero genre. Despite the familiarity of the theme, Varma keeps the audience engaged with strategic high moments and a compelling narrative. The film’s climax, especially the last twenty minutes, showcases Varma’s storytelling prowess, adding a spiritual dimension to the superhero tale. His ability to balance tradition and modernity contributes significantly to the film’s unique appeal.
Impressive Production Values
Hanu Man benefits from high production values, courtesy of Primeshow Entertainment. The art department’s meticulous work and the VFX team’s commendable efforts contribute to the grand visuals on a limited budget. Dasaradhi Sivendra’s camera work deserves applause, delivering top-notch frames that enhance the film’s visual grandeur. The musical composition, featuring songs by Gowra Hari, Anudeep Dev, and Krishna Saurabh, seamlessly integrates with the narrative, enhancing key scenes and contributing to the film’s emotional resonance.
If you’re a fan of superhero films that celebrate Indian culture and draw inspiration from our rich mythology, be sure to catch ‘Hanu Man’ currently running successfully at your nearest PVR INOX cinemas
Hindi
Remembering Gyan Sahay, the lens behind film, television and advertising
From a puppet rabbit selling poppadums to Hindi cinema, he framed it all.
MUMBAI: There are careers, and then there are canvases. Gyan Sahay, the veteran cinematographer, director, and producer who passed away on 10 March 2026 in Mumbai, had one of the latter. Over several decades in the Indian film and television industry, he turned lenses, lights, and the occasional puppet rabbit into something approaching art.
A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, Sahay built his reputation as a director of photography across a career that stretched from the early 1970s all the way to the digital age. He was the kind of craftsman who understood that a well-composed shot is not merely a technical achievement but a quiet act of storytelling.
For most Indians of a certain age, however, Sahay will forever be the man behind the rabbit. His direction of the iconic long-running television commercial for Lijjat Papad, featuring its now-legendary puppet bunny, gave the country one of its most cheerfully persistent advertising images. It was the sort of work that sneaks into the national subconscious and takes up permanent residence.
His big-screen credits as cinematographer include Anokhi Pehchan (1972), Pagli (1974), Pas de Deux (1981), and Hum Farishte Nahin (1988). In 1999, he stepped behind a different kind of camera altogether, making his directorial debut with Sar Ankhon Par, a drama that featured Vikas Bhalla and Shruti Ulfat, with a cameo by Shah Rukh Khan for good measure.
On television, Sahay was particularly prized for his command of multi-camera production setups, a skill that made him a go-to technician for large-scale shows and reality programmes. In an industry that has never been especially patient with complexity, he was the calm hand on the rig.
In later life, Sahay turned teacher. He participated regularly in masterclasses and Digi-Talks, often hosted by organisations such as Bharatiya Chitra Sadhna, sharing hard-won wisdom on cinematography, the comedy of timing in a shot, and the sweeping changes brought by the shift from celluloid to digital. He was also said to have been involved in a project concerning a biographical film on Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy.
Tributes from the film industry poured in following the news of his passing, with colleagues remembering him as a senior cameraman who served as a rare bridge between two entirely different eras of Indian cinema. That is, perhaps, the finest thing one can say of any craftsman: he kept up, and he brought others along with him.
