Hi Nanna is a tender Telugu-language romantic family drama helmed by debutant director Shouryuv. With its emotional core and scenic backdrops, the film weaves a heartfelt tale of love, loss, and the enduring bond between a father and daughter. Set in a cinematic yet comforting tone, it promises a gentle ride through nostalgia, family ties, and the surprises destiny unfolds.

At its heart, the story centers on Viraj (played by Nani), a renowned Mumbai-based photographer, and his six-year-old daughter, Mahi (Kiara Khanna), who’s battling cystic fibrosis. The film’s premise—unraveling the mystery of Mahi’s absent mother via a chance connection with Yashna (Mrunal Thakur)—provides both comfort and intrigue. Natural performances, emotive background music by Hesham Abdul Wahab, and beauty in simplicity make Hi Nanna a quiet yet stirring cinematic experience.

Movie Cast & Crew

Story

Viraj and his daughter Mahi enjoy a cozy, endearing life in Mumbai. To fulfill a promise, he begins telling her about her mother: a once-effervescent woman named Varsha whom he met in picturesque Coonoor. Their budding romance encounters societal and medical challenges, slowly transforming their joy into heartache.

Years later, fate introduces Yashna into their lives. As Mahi presses her father for answers, Yashna mirrors Varsha in ways that spark hope, confusion, and an emotional journey. Without spoiling the ending, this emotionally-layered story gradually builds through familial warmth, personal grief, and a gentle play of destiny.

Performances

• Nani (Viraj): As the devoted single father, Nani delivers one of his most profound performances since Jersey. His portrayal is emotionally honest, displaying vulnerability, love, and resilience in equal measure.
• Mrunal Thakur (Varsha/Yashna): Thakur excels in a dual-intensity role, moving from quiet anxiety to blooming affection. She infuses layers into both characters, especially in the emotionally charged final act.
• Kiara Khanna (Mahi): This child actor shines through small reactions and tender presence. Adorable and moving, she often steals scenes with her innocence.
• Priyadarshi (Justin): As Viraj’s friend-colleague, Priyadarshi brings subtle humor and plays the audience’s voice of reason in key moments.
• Jayaram (Grandfather): Understated but heartfelt, he reinforces themes of love, loss, and parenting across generations.
• Supporting Cast (Shruti Haasan, Angad Bedi, others): They blend naturally into the story, though some cameo song sequences—like one featuring Shruti Haasan—feel slightly abrupt.

Plus Points

• Direction: Shouryuv handles complex emotions deftly, delivering a gripping pre-interval sequence and a satisfying climax. Critics honored him with SIIMA’s Best Debut Director Award.
• Screenplay: Though familiar in parts, the pacing and emotional beats are balanced and precise. The narrative keeps tension alive without veering into melodrama.
• Emotional Impact: Multiple viewers described it as a tearjerker—some even cried visibly in theaters. Its honesty and warmth create a memorable emotional resonance.
• Music & BGM: Hesham Abdul Wahab crafts a soulful soundtrack—especially the haunting “Idhe idhe tholisaarila…” theme—and elevates scenes with sensitive background scores.
• Performances: The central trio creates an irresistible emotional core, delivering natural chemistry and authenticity .
• Scenic Cinematography: Visuals across Mumbai, Coonoor, and Goa provide a soothing, aesthetic palette that complements the tender tone.
• Awards Recognition: Garnered critical praise, multiple SIIMA nods (Best Debut, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress), and topped at SIIMA with six awards overall.

Minus Points

• Predictability & Clichés: Some plot elements, especially in the romantic setup, feel familiar and at times over-reliant on tropes.
• Pacing Issues: The narrative takes time to build. Some viewers felt the second half dragged, particularly around subplot transitions and item song sequences.
• Character Depth: Secondary characters, including the mothers, lack full breadth, leaving emotional arcs ill-defined—this gap is remarked upon by critics .
• Technical Distractions: The Shruti Haasan item song feels shoehorned and disrupts dramatic tension. Additionally, one late twist relies on convenient coincidences.
• Overbearing Music Moments: A few scenes feel forced with music cues pushing emotional responses too overtly .

Technical Aspects

• Cinematography (Sanu John Varghese): Visuals are consistently pleasing, with scenic framing enhancing emotional ambiance—Mumbai’s softness, Coonoor’s misty charm.
• Editing (Praveen Anthony): L-cuts and cross-cutting build emotional resonance, though the second half’s flow is occasionally uneven.
• Music & Score: The background score and songs (especially Idhe idhe…) are film standouts. It heightens emotional stakes, although at times it feels over-expressive.
• Production Design: Sets across multiple cities feel authentic and richly detailed, blending lifestyles and cultures seamlessly .
• Sound Design: Use of natural ambient sounds (waves, silences) adds immersive depth, reinforcing mood shifts.
• VFX: Minimal to none, well-suited for an emotionally grounded drama that doesn’t rely on visual spectacle.

Conclusion

Hi Nanna is a quietly powerful, emotion-driven film that embraces comfort while exploring grief, love, and the pull of unexpected connections. Its intimate tone, strong trio of performances, and evocative music make it a touching watch—especially for audiences who appreciate nuanced family dramas.

That said, viewers seeking edge-of-the-seat freshness or innovative storytelling may find parts predictable or lightly cliché. While pacing and minor narrative conveniences hold it back slightly, these are outweighed by its heart.

Verdict: A heartwarming, beautifully crafted family romance that earns its emotional impact. Recommended for audiences who enjoy tear-jerker narratives, scenic storytelling, and deeply felt relationships. If you’re drawn to melodramatic sincerity and character-driven depth, Hi Nanna is a rewarding cinematic embrace.