Director Shouryuv’s film ‘Hi Nanna,’ starring Nani, Mrunal Thakur, and Baby Kiara, takes audiences on an emotional journey, but unfortunately, it succumbs to predictability, according to our review.
Director: Shouryuv
Writers: Nagendra Kasi, Shouryuv
Cast: Nani, Mrunal Thakur, Kiara Khanna, Priyadarshi, Jayaram
Duration: 158 minutes
Available in: Theatres
In the world of ‘Hi Nanna,’ road accidents play a pivotal role. One accident ends a relationship, while another narrowly avoided accident marks the beginning of a new one. Six-year-old Mahi (Kiara Khanna) is a child dealing with Cystic Fibrosis, raised by her single father, Viraj (Nani), a prominent photographer in Mumbai. Viraj has kept Mahi in the dark about her mother’s story until now.
After much persuasion, Viraj reluctantly shares his late wife’s story with Mahi, especially after she is saved from a road accident by Yashna (Mrunal Thakur). Mahi envisions Yashna as her mother, and Viraj recounts the tale. How does this revelation alter the dynamics between the three characters? Are Viraj and Yashna connected?
Director Shouryuv’s ‘Hi Nanna’ is a heartwarming relationship drama with glimpses of brilliant ideas. The film features deeply emotional sequences, heightened by outstanding performances from Nani, Mrunal Thakur, and Baby Kiara Khanna. ‘Hi Nanna’ also demonstrates sensitivity in portraying modern relationships, particularly in depicting Mrunal’s Yashna coping with trauma, deserving special commendation.
Trailer
However, ‘Hi Nanna’ falls into predictability. Whether it’s the conventional meet-cute moments between Nani and Mrunal Thakur or the predictable coincidences, the film adheres to clichéd tropes. Despite these formulaic elements, the emotional scenes anchor the audience to their seats. The father-daughter moments are plentiful, and the on-screen chemistry between Nani and Baby Kiara is captivating.
Nani excels in emotional roles, and ‘Hi Nanna’ is no exception. Additionally, Mrunal Thakur delivers a captivating performance, following her impressive portrayal in ‘Sita Ramam.’ Baby Kiara Khanna is a delightful discovery, portraying her role with perfection and nuance.
Predictable Writing Yet Heartening Treatment
After the stellar performances, credit also goes to the director of music, Hesham Abdul Wahab, whose work significantly contributes to the film. With the exception of the song featuring Shruti Haasan, the rest of the soundtrack and background score elevate the film. Similarly, cinematography by Sanu John Varghese effectively captures the regality within the frames.
‘Hi Nanna’ is a wholesome family drama with poignant emotional moments that tug at the heartstrings. However, eliminating predictability could have elevated the film’s appeal even further.
Despite the clichéd elements in Varsha’s backstory, such as her materialistic and classist mother opposing the couple’s marriage, and Varsha’s fear of marriage due to her parents’ tumultuous relationship, the film manages to present some heartwarming moments. Whether it’s the scene where Varsha finds comfort in Viraj’s gesture, reminiscent of her parents’ rocky marriage, or the conversation highlighting Viraj’s lack of responsibility, there are instances of mature writing. The exchange between Viraj and Varsha’s mother about his financial status, delivered with trademark Nani simplicity, adds a classy touch to the film. The hope was for more such moments that infuse familiar situations with novelty and coolness.
A filmmaker’s care for their characters is evident in the dignity and prominence granted to them within the film. In “Hi Nanna,” a simple choice in the climax exemplifies the debutant director Shoryuv’s concern for the characters. Amidst the familiar scenario of a character in critical condition and their loved ones anxiously waiting outside the operation theatre, a small but significant detail emerges – a reaction shot of Pluto, the family’s pet dog. The film treats Pluto as a proper character with its own arc, contributing to the evolution of dynamics between human characters and serving as a storytelling device. This attention to detail and care extends not only to Pluto but also to the human characters in the film.
A heavy Second half Hi Nanna
“Hi Nanna” doesn’t rely on groundbreaking concepts or techniques to stand out. While there’s a significant interval twist that alters the story’s direction in the second half, the screenplay’s flow is largely predictable, especially in the first half. However, the film compensates with its heartfelt treatment of the narrative. The story follows 6-year-old Mahi, raised by her single father Viraj, played by the exceptional Nani. Mahi’s curiosity about her mother leads Viraj to share her mother’s story, which unfolds after a series of incidents involving Yashna (Mrunal Thakur). The film smartly incorporates a song, ‘Samayama,’ to allude to Yashna’s significance in their lives.
The portrayal of the love story between Viraj and Varsha, played by Mrunal Thakur, is one of the film’s weaker links. These segments feel predictable and evoke a sense of déjà vu, given the predetermined endpoint we’re already aware of. Despite this, “Hi Nanna” remains more than just a film centered around a dog, showcasing its golden heart through its tender treatment of characters and their relationships.
Director Shouryuv’s film ‘Hi Nanna,’ starring Nani, Mrunal Thakur, and Baby Kiara, takes audiences on an emotional journey, but unfortunately, it succumbs to predictability, according to our review.
In the world of ‘Hi Nanna,’ road accidents play a pivotal role. One accident ends a relationship, while another narrowly avoided accident marks the beginning of a new one. Six-year-old Mahi (Kiara Khanna) is a child dealing with Cystic Fibrosis, raised by her single father, Viraj (Nani), a prominent photographer in Mumbai. Viraj has kept Mahi in the dark about her mother’s story until now.
After much persuasion, Viraj reluctantly shares his late wife’s story with Mahi, especially after she is saved from a road accident by Yashna (Mrunal Thakur). Mahi envisions Yashna as her mother, and Viraj recounts the tale. How does this revelation alter the dynamics between the three characters? Are Viraj and Yashna connected?
Director Shouryuv’s ‘Hi Nanna’ is a heartwarming relationship drama with glimpses of brilliant ideas. The film features deeply emotional sequences, heightened by outstanding performances from Nani, Mrunal Thakur, and Baby Kiara Khanna. ‘Hi Nanna’ also demonstrates sensitivity in portraying modern relationships, particularly in depicting Mrunal’s Yashna coping with trauma, deserving special commendation.
However, ‘Hi Nanna’ falls into predictability. Whether it’s the conventional meet-cute moments between Nani and Mrunal Thakur or the predictable coincidences, the film adheres to clichéd tropes. Despite these formulaic elements, the emotional scenes anchor the audience to their seats. The father-daughter moments are plentiful, and the on-screen chemistry between Nani and Baby Kiara is captivating.
Nani excels in emotional roles, and ‘Hi Nanna’ is no exception. Additionally, Mrunal Thakur delivers a captivating performance, following her impressive portrayal in ‘Sita Ramam.’ Baby Kiara Khanna is a delightful discovery, portraying her role with perfection and nuance.
After the stellar performances, credit also goes to the director of music, Hesham Abdul Wahab, whose work significantly contributes to the film. With the exception of the song featuring Shruti Haasan, the rest of the soundtrack and background score elevate the film. Similarly, cinematography by Sanu John Varghese effectively captures the regality within the frames.
‘Hi Nanna’ is a wholesome family drama with poignant emotional moments that tug at the heartstrings. However, eliminating predictability could have elevated the film’s appeal even further.
Despite the clichéd elements in Varsha’s backstory, such as her materialistic and classist mother opposing the couple’s marriage, and Varsha’s fear of marriage due to her parents’ tumultuous relationship, the film manages to present some heartwarming moments. Whether it’s the scene where Varsha finds comfort in Viraj’s gesture, reminiscent of her parents’ rocky marriage, or the conversation highlighting Viraj’s lack of responsibility, there are instances of mature writing. The exchange between Viraj and Varsha’s mother about his financial status, delivered with trademark Nani simplicity, adds a classy touch to the film. The hope was for more such moments that infuse familiar situations with novelty and coolness.
A filmmaker’s care for their characters is evident in the dignity and prominence granted to them within the film. In “Hi Nanna,” a simple choice in the climax exemplifies the debutant director Shoryuv’s concern for the characters. Amidst the familiar scenario of a character in critical condition and their loved ones anxiously waiting outside the operation theatre, a small but significant detail emerges – a reaction shot of Pluto, the family’s pet dog. The film treats Pluto as a proper character with its own arc, contributing to the evolution of dynamics between human characters and serving as a storytelling device. This attention to detail and care extends not only to Pluto but also to the human characters in the film.
“Hi Nanna” doesn’t rely on groundbreaking concepts or techniques to stand out. While there’s a significant interval twist that alters the story’s direction in the second half, the screenplay’s flow is largely predictable, especially in the first half. However, the film compensates with its heartfelt treatment of the narrative. The story follows 6-year-old Mahi, raised by her single father Viraj, played by the exceptional Nani. Mahi’s curiosity about her mother leads Viraj to share her mother’s story, which unfolds after a series of incidents involving Yashna (Mrunal Thakur). The film smartly incorporates a song, ‘Samayama,’ to allude to Yashna’s significance in their lives.
The portrayal of the love story between Viraj and Varsha, played by Mrunal Thakur, is one of the film’s weaker links. These segments feel predictable and evoke a sense of déjà vu, given the predetermined endpoint we’re already aware of. Despite this, “Hi Nanna” remains more than just a film centered around a dog, showcasing its golden heart through its tender treatment of characters and their relationships.
