'Hi Nanna' Film Review: An Uplifting Tale of Love Triumphing Over All

Nani, Mrunal Thakur, and composer Hesham Abdul Wahab enhance the emotional drama directed by debutant Shouryuv, exploring themes of love and the intricate interplay of destiny.

Nani, Kiara Khanna, and Mrunal Thakur in the Telugu film 'Hi Nanna,' directed by Shouryuv | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Certain narratives encourage us to set aside our skepticism and surrender to their enchantment. Debut writer-director Shouryuv's Telugu film, "Hi Nanna," is propelled by themes of destiny and the enduring power of love. This story introduces us to captivating characters in idyllic settings, incorporating nostalgic elements like a pet dog serving as a catalyst during pivotal moments. It is cinematic yet comfortingly familiar. The lead actor, Nani, skillfully portrays a single father, evoking genuine emotions and bringing tears to our eyes, while Mrunal Thakur excels in depicting her intricately layered character. Hesham Abdul Wahab's background score complements the narrative, at times venturing into the realm of improbability and challenging us to suspend our cynicism. The film's appeal hinges on our willingness to accept certain revelations as the story unfolds and embrace its raw authenticity.

Viraj (played by Nani) is a renowned photographer based in Mumbai, residing in a home featured in architecture magazines, showcasing an aesthetic visual palette crafted by production designer Avinash Kolla and cinematographer Sanu John Varghese. Despite his hectic schedule, Viraj, a hands-on father, customizes his calendar to accommodate the needs of his six-year-old daughter Mahi (portrayed by child actor Kiara Khanna). The initial moments paint a picture of a nearly perfect world for Mahi, surrounded by her father, grandfather (Jayaram), pet dog Pluto, and Viraj's friend and colleague Justin (played by Priyadarshi). However, her curiosity is piqued by the absence of her mother.

"Hi Nanna" (Telugu)

• Cast: Nani, Mrunal Thakur, Kiara Khanna, Priyadarshi

• Director: Shouryuv

• Plot: A single father embarks on narrating the tale of the absent mother to his child, and everything undergoes a profound transformation.

• Music: Hesham Abdul Wahab

Shouryuv delicately unfolds Viraj's past in a fairy tale style, adopting a format akin to the bedtime stories Viraj shares with his daughter. The narrative gradually delves into the bittersweet aspects of Viraj's history. The writer-director urges the audience to patiently engage with the story, resisting the influence of the short attention span driven by social media. Viraj finds himself in a challenging situation as he recounts his past in the presence of Yashna (Mrunal Thakur, voiced by Chinmayi), who has recently become friends with Mahi. The writer skillfully employs a few narrative techniques, leading to moments before the intermission where embracing some traditional storytelling elements becomes essential, particularly regarding medical conditions and the whims of fate.

One might choose to brush aside these narrative arcs, or one could acknowledge the writer-director's skill in utilizing them to illustrate the divergent personalities within a relationship. While Viraj embodies optimism, his wife grapples with anxiety rooted in a tumultuous upbringing in a broken home. Promises are made, only to be scorned by the whims of fate. The woman is immersed in sorrow and guilt, while the man, also grieving, tenaciously clings to a glimmer of hope.

A significant portion of the storyline revolves around the resilience of the single father. An endearing scene early in the film, featuring Viraj and his prospective mother-in-law, skillfully navigates the familiar theme of highlighting economic disparities. Viraj responds to her in a resolute manner, earning our wholehearted support. Nani elevates the writing with his compelling portrayal of Viraj's determination and innocence—initially as someone who believes in love at first sight and later as a father willing to move heaven and earth for his daughter. This performance stands out as Nani's best in the emotional realm since "Jersey," capable of evoking tears long after leaving the cinema.

The film benefits significantly from the contribution of music composer Hesham Abdul Wahab. The songs are melodic and delightful, but the real highlight is the background score. The emotional impact is heightened when the strains of 'Idhe idhe tholisariga…' resonate at various junctures. Wahab effectively incorporates the calming notes of waves and strategic silences, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

Mahi's mother's narrative gradually unfolds, revealing a certain predictability in depicting how a robust romance, despite its flaws, can overshadow everything else. Scenes such as the banter on the beach and the party song (featuring Shruti Haasan) may feel somewhat prolonged. Additional characters, portrayed by Angad Bedi and Viraj Ashwin, are introduced, and a playful reference to "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" is cleverly inserted.

While the conclusion of the story is foreseeable, it allows not only Viraj and his wife to reflect on their relationship, parenting, and destiny but also provides Jayaram's understated character an opportunity to gently reinforce the enduring beauty of love and responsible parenting for the older generation.

Mrunal, impeccably styled by design, truly comes into her own in the final act. Following "Sita Ramam," this film offers her a more intricate character, and she rises to the occasion, delivering her best performance. For Priyadarshi, the role of the friend-colleague seems effortless—a stroll in the park. He seamlessly blends in, often reflecting the sentiments of the rational audience, expressing disbelief or nudging events in a certain direction. Child actor Kiara Khanna anchors the drama with her innocence and vulnerability.

A few subtle details enhance the authenticity of the narrative. The story, commencing in Mumbai, takes a nostalgic journey back to Coonoor and then to Goa, capturing the multilingual and multicultural essence of these regions with a blend of English, Hindi, and Tamil.

While the film maintains a genuine tone, there's a wish that a segment in the final stretch didn't rely on convenient coincidences. The presence of well-qualified professionals among elite Mumbaikars in Goa, while hinted at, might come across as a bit cinematic. Nevertheless, the narrative, with its heart in the right place, hopes that the audience will embrace it despite these leaps of faith.

"Hi Nanna" stands as a heartwarming tale of a father, daughter, and a mother wrestling with her inner demons while holding onto the belief in love. Such stories never go out of fashion, and Shouryuv's drama provides a refreshing break from the larger-than-life action entertainers.