‘Hi Nanna’ movie review: A reaffirming story of love that conquers everything
Nani, Mrunal Thakur and composer Hesham Abdul Wahab elevate debut director Shouryuv’s emotional drama about love and the play of destiny
Nani, Kiara Khanna, and Mrunal Thakur in Shouryuv's Telugu film "Hi Nanna" Special Arrangement is credited with this photo.
Certain stories compel us to set aside our skepticism and succumb to their allure. In his Telugu film Hi Nanna, newbie writer-director Shouryuv is motivated by love and destiny. This story, which presents us to stunning individuals in idyllic environments, contains certain sentimental elements, like a pet dog acting as a catalyst at pivotal moments. It is familiar and yet comfortingly cinematic. Actor Nani, the main protagonist, plays a single father who wears his heart on his sleeve and causing us to cry, and Mrunal Thakur takes great pleasure in capturing the nuanced aspects of her character development. The background music by Hesham Abdul Wahab serves as a counterpoint to this story, which at times seems unbelievable and compels us to put aside our cynicism. Does it function? Whether or not we embrace the film's rough qualities and accept some of the revelations as the story develops will determine how much fun we have watching it.
Mumbai-based celebrity photographer Viraj (Nani) resides in a home owned by architecture magazines with his six-year-old daughter Mahi (played by child actor Kiara Khanna). Production designer Avinash Kolla and cinematographer Sanu John Varghese create a striking visual scheme. Although Viraj's calendar is jam-packed, he designs it to fit his daughter's specifications. We get the impression from the first few minutes that he is a hands-on father. Mahi appears to be living in a practically ideal world with her father, her grandfather Jayaram, her pet dog Pluto, and Viraj's coworker and friend Justin (Priyadarshi). She is interested in her mother, though.
Hi Nanna (Telugu)
Cast: Nani, Mrunal Thakur, Kiara Khanna, Priyadarshi
Direction: Shouryuv
Storyline: A single father begins to narrate the story of the missing mother to his child and nothing remains the same
Music: Hesham Abdul Wahab
Shouryuv gradually reveals the bittersweet parts of Viraj's background while unraveling his past in a fairytale style akin to the father's bedtime story telling. The writer-director hopes that his audience will also listen intently and resist giving in to the short-attention span that social media has made so prevalent. He puts Viraj in a difficult situation by forcing him to recount his past in front of Yashna (voiced by Mrunal Thakur).
voice byChinmayi) who has befriended Mahi minutes earlier. Slowly, the writer pulls a few tricks from his hat. Events leading up to intermission warrant us to embrace a few old world tropes, particularly about medical conditions and the play of fate. who has befriended Mahi minutes earlier. Slowly, the writer pulls a few tricks from his hat. Events leading up to intermission warrant us to embrace a few old world tropes, particularly about medical conditions and the play of fate.
These trajectories can be dismissed, or one can recognize how the writer-director use them to highlight the divergent personalities in a partnership. If Viraj is all about hope, then his wife's anxiety problems are a result of her upbringing in a dysfunctional household. Promises are made, but fate always plays tricks with them. While the male, likewise grieving, clings hard to a bright spot, the lady wallows in sorrow and guilt.
Hesham Abdul Wahab is a great contribution to the movie as the music composer. Although the songs are enjoyable and hummable, the background score is the standout feature. It is hard not to be moved when the many strains of "Idhe idhe tholisariga..." play at different times. When necessary, he also incorporates the soothing sounds of the waves and silences.
The tale of Mahi's mother gradually comes to light. These scenes are predictable in a way that illustrates how a powerful romance can triumph over all other factors, even in the face of flaws in its armor. The party song (with Shruti Haasan) and the beach banter seem overdone. Additional characters, including those portrayed by Angad Bedi and Viraj Ashwin, are introduced into the conflict. A playful allusion to Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is included in a remark made at the mandap.
The conclusion of the story is known. However, not just Viraj and his spouse reflect on their parenting, destiny, and relationship during this process. For the elder generation as well, Jayaram's modest demeanor subtly reaffirms the value of good parenting and affection.
Mrunal, who has been exquisitely styled, really shines in the latter act. In this film, she plays a more nuanced role than in Sita Ramam's, and she gives it her all. The friend-colleague relationship is easy for Priyadarshi. He fits in effortlessly, and in many instances, such as when he scoffs at the course of events or moves things in a particular way, he represents us, the logical audience wondering where this is all going. Kiara Khanna, a child performer, uses her innocence and vulnerability to hold the drama together.
A pivotal episode that relies on fortuitous coincidences would be better, in my opinion. It may be said that Goa is a frequent destination for affluent Mumbaikars, and it is unsurprising to see highly skilled professionals among them. When Shouryuv presents specific supporting individuals and their line of work, he leaves clues. Still, it seemed cinematic. Even still, the story believes that we will accept its leaps of faith since its heart is in the right place.
The touching tale of a mother, daughter, and father facing their difficulties and finding love in Hi Nanna. Stories like this are timeless, and Shouryuv's drama provides a change of pace from the supersized action flicks.
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