Heartin review: Sananth-Madonna Sebastian's love triangle never finds its spark
Heartin movie review: Director Kishore Kumar's Heartin, starring Sananth, Madonna Sebastian and Emaya, is a romantic drama that explores modern relationships and second chances. The film took a formulaic approach and could have benefited from better performances from its women.
There was a time when romantic dramas offered a comforting escape, especially amid the flood of hypermasculine action thrillers dominating the screens. Over the years, however, the genre has evolved to reflect changing relationships and sensibilities. Director Kishore Kumar's Heartin is one such attempt to tell a love story rooted in modern-day relationships.
Shiva (Sananth) is the head chef and partner at a Jaipur restaurant owned by his close friend Mani (WhatsApp Mani) and Mani's wife, Ankita. During a heritage walk, he crosses paths with Sadhana (Emaya). A series of charming meet-cutes blossoms into friendship, which eventually turns into love. Yet, even as their relationship deepens, Shiva remains emotionally guarded: he rarely smiles, carries a brooding aura, and initially hesitates when Sadhana confesses her feelings.
It is only with time that Shiva lets his guard down and reciprocates Sadhana's feelings. Just as their relationship begins to find its footing, an unexpected incident brings Sahitya (Madonna Sebastian) into his life, setting the stage for what appears to be a classic love triangle. But is Shiva really torn between two women? Or does Sahitya's arrival reopen unresolved chapters from his past, forcing him to confront emotions he thought he had buried?
Director Kishore Kumar's Heartin opens against the picturesque backdrop of Jaipur, with sweeping shots of the iconic Hawa Mahal and the majestic Ajmer Fort, lending the film an immediate visual charm. Nestled at the foothills of the fort is Shiva's Tamil Bhavan restaurant, where the head chef lovingly prepares comforting South Indian delicacies.
It's a setting that is as inviting as it is scenic. Against this vibrant backdrop unfolds Shiva's journey of overcoming his emotional baggage to embrace love with Sadhana. The narrative is breezy and largely formulaic, but the film's visual warmth makes it an easy watch.
One of Heartin's biggest strengths is its refusal to design melodrama. Kishore Kumar keeps the emotions grounded, allowing the story to understand its silent moments rather than grand romantic gestures. The film thrives on stolen glances, comfortable silences, sweet nothings and everyday conversations between two people trying to find each other. But this is also where it falters. Those seemingly ordinary interactions remain just that – pleasant exchanges that rarely deepen into emotionally revealing moments or evolve into a conflict attractive enough to sustain the narrative.
The moment Sahitya (Madonna Sebastian) enters the narrative and Shiva, Sadhana and Mani move to Ooty to stay with her, as the trailer already reveals, Heartin slips into familiar territory. What follows lacks the emotional weight needed to justify the shift. The post-interval portions, in particular, feel hurried, diluting the very emotions the film is trying to evoke. The jealousy track between Sadhana and Sahitya is a case in point. Until then, the two women share a warm, cordial equation. But almost abruptly, Sadhana begins to resent and indirectly blame Sahitya, even though the latter never chose to be caught in such a situation. The transition feels too sudden to be convincing.
Similarly, Sahitya's emotional confession of her feelings for Mani never translates into action, keeping the conflict surprisingly restrained. While the film deserves credit for avoiding over-the-top melodrama, the emotional stakes never quite reach the intensity they demand. That said, the final act, and the way director Kishore Kumar resolves the central conflict, lands on an emotionally satisfying note.
Sananth shines as Shiva, delivering one of his more nuanced performances. He convincingly portrays the character's emotional turmoil, often communicating more through his expressions than words. Emaya, however, struggles to leave a lasting impression, delivering a performance limited by a narrow emotional range. Madonna Sebastian, despite her experience, also feels underutilised, with a largely one-note performance that needed greater emotional depth.
On the technical front, Heartin fares much better. Rajesh Murugesan's music, particularly the songs, lends warmth to the film's tender moments and elevates its emotional beats. The real standout, however, is Mukes's cinematography. His beautifully composed frames, natural lighting and evocative portrayal of Jaipur and Ooty make the two cities feel like characters in the story. Editor Barath Vikram also deserves credit for keeping the film to a crisp two-hour runtime, ensuring it never overstays its welcome.
Heartin has its heart in the right place. Its sincerity and visual beauty are undeniable, but a more layered screenplay and stronger performances from its leading women would have made this gentle romance far more affecting.
There was a time when romantic dramas offered a comforting escape, especially amid the flood of hypermasculine action thrillers dominating the screens. Over the years, however, the genre has evolved to reflect changing relationships and sensibilities. Director Kishore Kumar's Heartin is one such attempt to tell a love story rooted in modern-day relationships.
Shiva (Sananth) is the head chef and partner at a Jaipur restaurant owned by his close friend Mani (WhatsApp Mani) and Mani's wife, Ankita. During a heritage walk, he crosses paths with Sadhana (Emaya). A series of charming meet-cutes blossoms into friendship, which eventually turns into love. Yet, even as their relationship deepens, Shiva remains emotionally guarded: he rarely smiles, carries a brooding aura, and initially hesitates when Sadhana confesses her feelings.
It is only with time that Shiva lets his guard down and reciprocates Sadhana's feelings. Just as their relationship begins to find its footing, an unexpected incident brings Sahitya (Madonna Sebastian) into his life, setting the stage for what appears to be a classic love triangle. But is Shiva really torn between two women? Or does Sahitya's arrival reopen unresolved chapters from his past, forcing him to confront emotions he thought he had buried?
Director Kishore Kumar's Heartin opens against the picturesque backdrop of Jaipur, with sweeping shots of the iconic Hawa Mahal and the majestic Ajmer Fort, lending the film an immediate visual charm. Nestled at the foothills of the fort is Shiva's Tamil Bhavan restaurant, where the head chef lovingly prepares comforting South Indian delicacies.
It's a setting that is as inviting as it is scenic. Against this vibrant backdrop unfolds Shiva's journey of overcoming his emotional baggage to embrace love with Sadhana. The narrative is breezy and largely formulaic, but the film's visual warmth makes it an easy watch.
One of Heartin's biggest strengths is its refusal to design melodrama. Kishore Kumar keeps the emotions grounded, allowing the story to understand its silent moments rather than grand romantic gestures. The film thrives on stolen glances, comfortable silences, sweet nothings and everyday conversations between two people trying to find each other. But this is also where it falters. Those seemingly ordinary interactions remain just that – pleasant exchanges that rarely deepen into emotionally revealing moments or evolve into a conflict attractive enough to sustain the narrative.
The moment Sahitya (Madonna Sebastian) enters the narrative and Shiva, Sadhana and Mani move to Ooty to stay with her, as the trailer already reveals, Heartin slips into familiar territory. What follows lacks the emotional weight needed to justify the shift. The post-interval portions, in particular, feel hurried, diluting the very emotions the film is trying to evoke. The jealousy track between Sadhana and Sahitya is a case in point. Until then, the two women share a warm, cordial equation. But almost abruptly, Sadhana begins to resent and indirectly blame Sahitya, even though the latter never chose to be caught in such a situation. The transition feels too sudden to be convincing.
Similarly, Sahitya's emotional confession of her feelings for Mani never translates into action, keeping the conflict surprisingly restrained. While the film deserves credit for avoiding over-the-top melodrama, the emotional stakes never quite reach the intensity they demand. That said, the final act, and the way director Kishore Kumar resolves the central conflict, lands on an emotionally satisfying note.
Sananth shines as Shiva, delivering one of his more nuanced performances. He convincingly portrays the character's emotional turmoil, often communicating more through his expressions than words. Emaya, however, struggles to leave a lasting impression, delivering a performance limited by a narrow emotional range. Madonna Sebastian, despite her experience, also feels underutilised, with a largely one-note performance that needed greater emotional depth.
On the technical front, Heartin fares much better. Rajesh Murugesan's music, particularly the songs, lends warmth to the film's tender moments and elevates its emotional beats. The real standout, however, is Mukes's cinematography. His beautifully composed frames, natural lighting and evocative portrayal of Jaipur and Ooty make the two cities feel like characters in the story. Editor Barath Vikram also deserves credit for keeping the film to a crisp two-hour runtime, ensuring it never overstays its welcome.
Heartin has its heart in the right place. Its sincerity and visual beauty are undeniable, but a more layered screenplay and stronger performances from its leading women would have made this gentle romance far more affecting.
