Hi Nanna features Nani and Mrunal Thakur in lead roles. The film directed by debutante Shouryuv has been released today with a solid buzz. Let’s review it here
Story: Viraj(Nani) is a single father who lives with his daughter Mahi(Kiara). One fine day, Mahi meets Yashna(Mrunal Thakur) and develops a close relationship. This does not go well with Viraj as Yashna is his ex-wife and he runs away from Yashna to Goa. Who is Yashna? What is her connection with Viraj and Mahi? Did Yashna get back into Viraj’s life? That forms the rest of the story.
Performances: Nani is a natural performer and he does well in his role as a single father. Nani is normal in the first half but comes to his own in the second half. His emotional performance in the last half an hour will surely move you. Baby Kiara is a superb child actor and does so nicely in her role. But it is Mrunal Thakur who steals the show in Hi Nanna. Her stunning looks, performance, and amazing chemistry with Nani are a treat to watch on screen. Jayaram was good in his role and so was Priyadarshi. The actress who played Mrunal’s mother was also good. Angad Bedi was okay.
Technical Aspects: Hesham Abdul Wahab is the unsung hero of the film with an amazing music score. His songs and BGM lift the film to another level altogether. The camera work is top-notch as the film looks rich in every frame. The editing is a bit dull as the film is slow in many areas. The lyrics in the songs, production design, dialogues, and other technical aspects elevate the film superbly.
Analysis: Hi Nanna has a very simple storyline but it is the narration that makes all the difference. The film starts off as a father-daughter love story and then it goes into the flashback. Even that is shown decently but once the routine plot of the rich vs the poor comes in the love story, the film gets boring and slows down in no time. But still, Nani and Mrunal hold our attention.
But once the twist in the pre-interval comes, the film takes off and the emotions do not stop to haunt you. The twist that is showcased is unexpected and elevates the drama right away. The entire second half of the film has many dramatic moments and the last half an hour will surely move you emotionally with many heartbreaking moments.
The chemistry between Mrunal and Nani is a treat to watch on screen. Their love, fights, and confrontation scenes are handled well by the director Shouryuv. Though he has written a simple story, he has narrated the film on a sensible note. But the pace of the film is very slow and the film will be loved by the target audience. One needs to soak the moments to enjoy this film as the narration is sweet.
Hi Nanna has some well-thought-of moments in the latter part and comes to life in the latter portions. There is no denying the fact that one has to sit through the slow first half. If you do so, the film will take you on a roller coaster ride for sure and move you in many aspects.
Verdict: Overall, Hi Nanna is a beautiful family drama that has a great second half. Though the film starts slow, once the core emotion kicks in, the film grows on you and makes for an endearing watch this weekend.
Bottom Line: Soothing Family Drama
Rating: 3/5
