Hi Nanna Today

At its core, Hi Nanna is the story of Viraj (Nani), a single father living a serene life in the hill stations of Coonoor with his six-year-old daughter, Mahi (Kiara Khanna). The plot hinges on a simple, devastating question posed by the child: "Who is my mother?"

Viraj, a fashion photographer, suffers from selective amnesia regarding his past. While he remembers everything about his career and current life, the face and name of his wife—Mahi’s mother—are a complete blank. The narrative unfolds as Viraj tells Mahi a bedtime story, which is essentially his own past.

Enter Yashna (Mrunal Thakur), a free-spirited, confident medical student who literally bumps into Viraj in Mumbai. What follows is a non-linear narrative that weaves together two timelines: the past (falling in love) and the present (dealing with the fallout).

However, the film subverts expectations. Hi Nanna is not merely a "will they, won’t they" romance. It is a mystery thriller wrapped in a family drama. The climax delivers a gut-punch twist regarding the mother’s absence that re-contextualizes every happy moment you witnessed in the first half. Without spoiling the film, it suffices to say that the film handles themes of terminal illness, chosen family, and sacrifice with a maturity rarely seen in mainstream Indian cinema.

1. The Father-Daughter Bond The film’s strongest pillar is the chemistry between Nani and child actress Kiara Khanna. Unlike many Indian films where children are used merely for comic relief, Mahi is central to the plot. Their interactions are heartwarming, genuine, and form the emotional anchor of the movie.

2. A Mature Take on Romance Hi Nanna moves away from the typical "boy meets girl" tropes. It deals with the complexities of marriage, the strain of career aspirations on relationships, and the grief of separation. It treats the audience to a mature love story where the conflict feels grounded in reality rather than manufactured drama.

3. Visual and Musical Grandeur Cinematographers Sanu John Varughese and B. Ajaneesh Loknath (music) create an atmosphere that feels like a warm hug. The scenic beauty of Coonoor contrasts beautifully with the urban setting of Mumbai. The soundtrack, particularly songs like "Samayama" and "O Rendu Prema Meghaalila," is integral to the narrative, elevating the emotional beats. Hi Nanna

4. Performance

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"Hi Nanna" isn't just a film. It's a masterclass in narrative sleight-of-hand.

You think it's a cute father-daughter drama. Then it becomes a haunting romance. Then it becomes a tragedy about memory itself.

Nani delivers his career's most restrained, lived-in performance. Mrunal Thakur is ethereal. But Baby Kiara? She steals every frame.

The last 30 minutes will leave you breathless. And Hesham's BGM? Pure longing turned into sound. At its core, Hi Nanna is the story

Don't watch it for the "twist." Watch it for the silence between the dialogues. That's where the real story lives.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)

#HiNanna #Nani #TeluguFilm

Let’s address the breakout star: little Kiara Khanna. Child actors often feel like pre-programmed robots reciting lines. Kiara, however, feels like a real six-year-old. Her tantrums, her laughter, and her devastating crying scenes towards the end of Hi Nanna will leave audiences reaching for tissues. She doesn’t just act; she listens and reacts, making her a co-lead rather than a prop.

Hi Nanna opened to glowing reviews. Critics praised its mature writing, performances, and refusal to bow to formula. On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 100% approval rating (based on select critics). Audiences, especially families and urban viewers, connected deeply with its realistic portrayal of relationships.

Commercially, the film was a sleeper hit. Made on a moderate budget, it grossed over ₹75 crore worldwide, with strong contributions from international markets (US, Australia) where diaspora audiences appreciated its universal theme of parental love. It was also dubbed into Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam, expanding its reach. Post: "Hi Nanna" isn't just a film

Director Shouryuv and cinematographer Sanu John Varghese (known for Kumbalangi Nights) understood a critical rule of cinema: Location is character.

The film is set against the misty, blue-green landscapes of Coonoor and Ooty. Unlike the neon-lit streets of typical urban dramas, Hi Nanna breathes. There are extended shots of tea estates, vintage Jeep drives, and rain-soaked balconies. This visual aesthetic creates a lullaby effect in the first half, making the emotional carnage of the second half hit ten times harder.

The color palette shifts subtly from warm, golden hues (when Viraj is with Yashna) to desaturated, cold blues (when he is alone in the present). This isn't just a movie; it's a visual poem about memory loss.

At its heart, Hi Nanna is an emotional exploration of love, loss, and the bond between a father and his daughter. The story revolves around Viraj (Nani), a doting single father raising his six-year-old daughter, Mahi (Kiara Khanna). Mahi suffers from a chronic respiratory condition, and her one wish is to know the story of her mother—a topic Viraj has always avoided.

When Mahi asks to hear the story, Viraj agrees on the condition that she must take her medicines without fuss. What unfolds is a narrative within a narrative, shifting between the present and a vibrant past in Coonoor. The story introduces us to Varsha (Mrunal Thakur), the woman who captured Viraj’s heart, and the tragic circumstances that led to their separation.

As the story concludes, a twist of fate brings a woman who looks exactly like Varsha into their lives, forcing Viraj to confront his past and fight for the future of his family.

Upon release, Hi Nanna received rave reviews from critics (averaging 4/5 stars). While it faced tough competition from Salaar: Part 1 and Dunki, the film held its ground due to positive word of mouth. It eventually crossed the ₹100 crore worldwide gross mark, solidifying Nani’s position as a bankable star who can open a film on the strength of a story alone, not just star power.