Heartin Review: Sananth-Madonna Sebastian’s love triangle never finds its spark
Hartin Movie Review: Director Kishore Kumar’s Hartin, starring Sananth, Madonna Sebastian and Emaaya, is a romantic drama that explores modern relationships and second chances. The film adopted a formulaic approach and could have benefited from better performances from its women.
There was a time when romantic dramas offered a relaxing escape, especially amid the flood of hyper-masculine action thrillers dominating the screens. However, over the years the genre has evolved to reflect changing relationships and sensibilities. Director Kishore Kumar’s Hartin is one such attempt to tell a love story based on modern-day relationships.
Shiva (Sanant) is the head chef and partner in a Jaipur restaurant owned by his close friend Mani (WhatsApp Mani) and Mani’s wife Ankita. During the heritage walk, he meets Sadhna (Imaya). A series of charming encounters leads to friendship, which eventually blossoms into love. Yet, even as their relationship deepens, Shiva remains emotionally guarded: he rarely smiles, has a contemplative aura, and is initially hesitant when Sadhna confesses her feelings.
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It is only with time that Shiva lets down his guard and reciprocates Sadhana’s feelings. As their relationship begins to take hold, an unexpected event brings Sahitya (Madonna Sebastian) into her life, setting the stage for a classic love triangle. But is Shiva really divided between two women? Or does the advent of literature reopen unresolved chapters from her past, forcing her to confront feelings she thought she had buried?
Director Kishore Kumar Hartin The film opens with the picturesque backdrop of Jaipur, with sweeping shots of the iconic Hawa Mahal and the majestic Ajmer Fort, giving the film instant visual appeal. Located at the foothills of the fort is Shiva’s Tamil Bhavan restaurant, where the head chef lovingly prepares South Indian cuisine.
It is a setting that is as charming as it is beautiful. Shiva’s journey of overcoming his emotional baggage to embrace love with Sadhna is highlighted in this vibrant backdrop. The story is simple and largely formulaic, but the visual warmth of the film makes it easy to watch.
one of Hartin’s The greatest quality is its refusal to design melodrama. Kishore Kumar keeps the emotions grounded, allowing the story to be fleshed out in its silent moments rather than grand romantic gestures. The film is based on stolen glances, comfortable silences, sweet talks and everyday conversations between two people trying to find each other. But this is also where it falters. Those seemingly ordinary conversations remain just that – pleasant exchanges that rarely deepen into emotionally revealing moments or develop into engaging conflicts to maintain the narrative.
The moment Sahitya (Madonna Sebastian) enters the narrative and Shiva, Sadhna and Mani move to Ooty to live with her, as the trailer reveals, Hartin Goes into familiar territory. It lacks the emotional weight needed to justify this change. Especially the post-interval portions feel rushed, which dilutes the emotions the film is trying to evoke. The jealousy track between Sadhana and Sahitya is an example. Until then, the two women share a warm, cordial relationship. But almost suddenly, Sadhana starts getting angry and indirectly blames Sahitya, even though Sahitya never chose to get stuck in such a situation. The change seems so sudden that it becomes difficult to reassure.
Similarly, Sahitya’s emotional confession of her feelings for Mani never translates into action, keeping the conflict surprisingly controlled. While the film deserves credit for avoiding excessive melodrama, the emotional stakes never reach the intensity they demand. That said, the final act, and the way director Kishore Kumar resolves the central conflict, comes off on an emotionally satisfying note.
Sanant shines as Shiva, and delivers one of his most nuanced performances. He convincingly portrays the character’s emotional turmoil, often communicating more through his expressions than words. However, Imaya struggles to leave a lasting impression, performing limited to a narrow emotional range. Madonna Sebastian, despite her experience, feels underused, with a largely one-note performance requiring greater emotional depth.
On the technical front, Hartin The fare is much better. Rajesh Murugesan’s music, especially the songs, add warmth to the film’s tender moments and enhance its emotional beats. The real standout, however, is Mukes’ cinematography. His beautifully composed frames, natural lighting and soulful depictions of Jaipur and Ooty make both cities feel like characters in a story. Editor Barath Vikram also deserves credit for keeping the film to a two-hour length, ensuring that it never overstays its welcome.
Hartin Its heart is in the right place. Its honesty and visual beauty are undeniable, but a more layered screenplay and stronger performances from its leading ladies would have made this gentle romance more impactful.