Little Hearts has become a hot topic after its OTT release, even though it was a massive hit in theatres. The film earned over Rs 30 crore during its theatrical run and was celebrated as one of the most successful comedies in recent times. Viewers called it a fun, light-hearted entertainer that delivered clean humour on the big screen.
However, once it started streaming on ETV Win, audience reactions took a sharp turn. Many viewers began calling it a “cringe comedy”, saying the jokes felt exaggerated and silly the kind that only younger audiences might enjoy. Those who once praised the film in theatres now called it overrated, filling social media with memes and sarcastic comments about how the same movie suddenly felt dull when watched alone.
Supporters of the film defended it, reminding others that Little Hearts was made on a modest Rs 2-3 crore budget and shouldn’t be compared with big productions. They argued that expectations must align with the film’s scale. Still, others pointed out that small-budget hits like Mathu Vadalara and Pelli Choopulu proved that quality storytelling doesn’t depend on budget.
The shift in audience response from theatre to OTT is not unusual. Comedy often works better in a crowded hall where shared laughter boosts the experience. Watching alone on a phone or TV can make the same humour seem flat.
Despite the backlash, Little Hearts remains a surprise blockbuster that made audiences laugh out loud in theatres and proved that simple stories still have a place in Telugu cinema.
