Krishnavataram Part 1: The Heart Hridayam

Krishnavataram Part 1: The Heart Hridayam

File:Krishnavataram Part 1 The Heart.jpg Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Hardik Gajjar
Written by	Hardik Gajjar Prakash Kapadia Raam Mori
Produced by	Sajan Raj Kurup Shobha Sant
Starring	Siddharth Gupta Sanskruti Jayana Sushmitha Bhat Nivaashiyni Krishnan
Cinematography	Ayananka Bose
Music by	Irshad Kamil
Country	India
Language	Hindi Tamil Telugu
Budget	Template:INR80–120 crore

Krishnavataram Part 1: The Heart (Hridayam) is a 2026 Indian devotional film written and directed by Hardik Gajjar and produced by Sajan Raj Kurup and Shobha Sant under the banner of Creativeland Studios Entertainment and Athasrikatha Motion Pictures. The film is the first installment in the Krishnavataram trilogy. The film stars Siddharth Gupta, Sanskruti Jayana, Sushmitha Bhat and Nivaashiyni Krishnan. It has music composed by Irshad Kamil, cinematography by Ayananka Bose.

The film is based on the Hindu Sanskrit text Brahma Vaivarta Purana written by Vyasa covering the events that took place after Lord Krishna separation from Radha and his life with his consorts Rukmini and Sathyabhama. The film shows Krishna's life from Sathyabhama's perspective.

The film was officially launched on 9 August 2024. It was initially titled Shri Radha Ramanam in all three languages, but was later released under the title Krishnavataram Part 1: The Heart (Hridayam) in all languages.

Krishnavataram Part 1: The Heart (Hridayam) was released worldwide on 7 May 2026 and received positive reviews from critics, praising its music, visual elements, costumes, performances (especially Siddharth, Sanskruti, Sushmitha and Nivaashiyni). But some criticised the first half of the film as "slow and monotonous".

Plot

Lord Krishna who dies after an arrow struck him by an hunter named Jara. Krishna exists in a state between two realms because he needs to end his earthly existence before he progresses to his next phase of life. The emotional atmosphere shows their eternal bond because Radha his divine love exists as a permanent memory.

Coming to present day, a young modern man in the 21st century who questions God's existence through his logical and scientific and rational thoughts in the Jagannath Temple at Puri. The priest answers the request by telling Krishna's life.

The main storyline takes place in Dvārakā where Krishna rules as Dwarkadish (King of Dvārakā) while he manages his divine duties and his human relationships. He also notices Sathyabhama's emotional perspective because she experiences love while she feels insecure and devoted to someone until she reaches her realizatdion.

Satyabhama's relationship with Krishna while showing Krishna's relationships with Rukmini and Radha, which demonstrate three types of love: spiritual, emotional, and eternal love. Radha represents divine love that exists outside of time while Satyabhama portrays human relationship conflicts and emotional attachment.

Production

Development

The film was officially announced on 9 August 2024 by the director and production house, with a small glimpse teaser of the title of the film then titled Shri Radha Ramanam.

In April 2026, a motion poster and the offical film trailer was released by the makers at Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex in Mathura district.

Casting

Template:Multiple image Actor Siddharth Gupta who is known for his roles in Hindi films was signed up to play the lead role as Krishna. Kannada actress Sushmitha Bhat was chosen for the lead female role as Radha. Singaporean television actress and Bigg Boss Tamil 6 fame Nivaashiyni Krishnan was chosen for Rukmini and former chief minister of Gujarat, Anandiben Patel granddaughter Sanskruti Jayana made her debut in the film industry with role of Sathyabhama. Kannada actor Karthik Jayaram was also later cast in the film.

Music

The film's soundtrack and background score are composed by Irshad Kamil for Hindi and Prasad S for Tamil and Telugu. The album was released in all three languages, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. The first single, "Prem Ki Leela", was released on 22 April 2026. The music rights were acquired by Saregama.

Release

Krishnavataram Part 1: The Heart (Hridayam) was released in theatres on 7 May 2026. It was reported that the film would be released in three languages, including dubbed versions worldwide.

Reception

Critical response

Krishnavataram Part 1: The Heart (Hridayam) received positive reviews from critics.

Mamta Naik of Mashable India gave 4 out of 5 stars, writing "Krishnavataram Part 1: Hridayam was a beautiful experience. Directed by Hardik Gajjar, known for Devon Ke Dev... Mahadev, it follows Lord Krishna's journey from Dwarka to Kurukshetra after parting ways with Radha. It also focuses on his relationships with Rukmini and Satyabhama. In doing so, the makers have also covered several key moments from his journey, including his anger over the humiliation of Draupadi during the Vastraharan incident in the Hastinapura court to the Syamantaka Mani incident, where Lord Krishna is falsely accused of stealing a magical gem. The first half captures the beautiful bond between Lord Krishna and Radha. Siddharth Gupta steps into the role of Krishna, and does he deliver? Absolutely! He portrays Krishna's childlike innocence and strategic thinking with absolute ease. Though I had a problem with his wig, I'll let it slide here. On the other hand, Sushmitha Bhat as Radha is just brilliant. This role was tailor-made for her, and every frame proves it. She beautifully expresses Radha's gracefulness and unconditional love for Krishna. In every scene, her expression is on point, whether she is being playful as she tries to grab Krishna's attention or expressing heartbreak. Nivaashiyni Krishnan as Rukmini, who loved Krishna without even seeing him, delivers a great performance as well. For those wondering whether the film portrays their relationship well, don't worry, it does. And then there's Satyabhama, played by Sanskruti Jayana. Just like Lord Krishna, she's the heart of this story. From portraying intense possessiveness to her immense love for Krishna and showing her warrior-like, fierce side, Jayana delivers a convincing performance. I was really impressed by her, especially in the latter moments. That said, it is known that Satyabhama killed Narakasura. While the film shows how, I wish it had explored that part in depth. Beyond performances, the film delivers grand visuals with well-executed VFX that feel natural. And yes, that was really important here. The direction is good, balancing every aspect of storytelling. Also, the outfits created for the cast members deserve a shout-out. That said, it would be a crime not to mention the songs, because they make the film even more enjoyable. Right from “Krishna Govinda” by Sunidha Chauhan, “Shyamal Sanware” by Sonu Nigam and Neeti Mohan, to “Prem Ki Leela” by Shreya Ghoshal, the music captures the heart and Lord Krishna's journey impeccably.

Janani K of India Today gave 4 out of 5 stars, writing "Despite its flaws, Krishnavataram does remain engaging through most of its 2-hour-25-minute runtime. The current mood of the country definitely gives religious films an edge, but this one also earns attention through visual ambition and the decision to spotlight Bhama’s story – something mainstream adaptations have rarely explored this lavishly."

Filmfare gave 3.5 out of 5 stars, writing "What ultimately makes Krishnavataram – Part 1: The Heart (Hridayam) special is its understanding of Krishna as both divine and profoundly human. The film does not reduce him to miracles alone. It explores his compassion, emotional complexity and spiritual wisdom with tenderness and respect."

Simran Singh of Daily News and Analysis gave 3.5 out of 5 stars, writing "The film is backed by an impressive storytelling that commands your attention from the first frame. The movie starts with Jackie Shroff narrating Krishna Leela to a group of Gen-Z. The story begins with Lord Krishna's final moments. We see Madhav playing the flute one last time after being hit by an arrow from a hunter who wanted to hunt a deer, but ended up hitting Madhav. The movie then chronicles his relationship with Radha, his journey from Dwarka to Kurukshetra, parting away from Radha, but accepting Rukmani, Satyabhama, and Jambavati as his life partners, teaching them and the world the true essence of love, sacrifice, and duties."

Dhaval Roy of Times Of India gave 3.5 out of 5 stars, writing "The film’s intent to portray Krishna’s ethos of love and devotion comes through, further elevated by its performances. Siddharth Gupta takes time to feel fully convincing in the role, but once he settles into the part, he delivers a strong performance. Sushmita Bhat as Radha, Sanskruti Jayana as Bhama, and Nivaashiyini Krishnan as Rukmini deliver sincere turns overall. Sanskruti Jayana deserves special mention for portraying Bhama’s jealousy and heartache, and shines in the role of slaying Narkasur. The story is familiar and spectacle-led, but the grand visuals, music and sincere performances make it worth a theatrical watch."

External links

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