“Natural Star Nani presents the heartfelt romantic drama, Hi Nanna, featuring Mrunal Thakur and the adorable Baby Kaira Khanna in pivotal roles. Directed by debutant Shouryuv, we had the privilege of attending a special premiere, and now let’s delve into the essence of the film.
Plot Summary:
Meet Viraj (Nani), a skilled photographer and a devoted single parent to his 6-year-old daughter, Mahii (Baby Kaira Khanna). Despite Mahii’s persistent inquiries about her mother, Viraj remains tight-lipped. Eventually, Viraj agrees to share his wife’s story only if Mahii achieves the top rank in her class. Mahii accomplishes this feat, but Viraj fails to keep his promise, leading to Mahii leaving home. Yashna (Mrunal Thakur) enters the scene and rescues Mahii from a perilous situation. The film unfolds as Yashna transforms the lives of Viraj and Mahii.
Highlights:
Hi Nanna boasts a compelling storyline with ample room for drama and emotion. Mrunal Thakur’s portrayal stands out as the heart and soul of the film. Her well-crafted role, coupled with impressive script choices reminiscent of her performance in Sita Ramam, adds immense value. Mrunal delivers a commendable performance, and debutant director Shouryuv adeptly handles emotional sequences, complemented by well-incorporated twists.
Nani effortlessly embraces the character of Viraj, showcasing his talent for heartwarming performances. The chemistry between Nani and Mrunal is palpable, exemplified in a beautiful scene where Nani interacts with the heroine’s mother. Baby Kiara Khanna charms in her role, displaying confidence in her dialogues and shining in scenes alongside Nani and Mrunal. The film concludes on a high note, with special mention to the exceptional work by Hesham Abdul Wahab, excluding the Odiyamma song. The music and visuals contribute to the overall storytelling experience.
Areas for Improvement:
While the initial stages of the love story lack novelty, the film gains momentum post the pre-interval sequence. Hi Nanna takes time to captivate the audience, mainly due to pacing issues. The film may resonate well with A-center audiences, but it might not find universal appeal. The placement of Shruti Haasan’s song in the second half feels misplaced, disrupting the narrative flow. A crucial scene following this song fails to deliver the expected impact, revealing a slight lack of coherence in the second hour.
Technical Aspects:
Hesham Abdul Wahab’s music and background score elevate the film, with the exception of the unnecessary Odiyamma song. Sanu John Varghese’s visuals and the production values are commendable, while the editing is deemed satisfactory. Shouryuv’s directorial debut showcases an interesting storyline with profound dialogues. Though the pacing is slow, the film excels in delivering emotional moments and eliciting commendable performances from the cast. A slight trimming of the movie’s length could enhance the overall viewing experience.
Verdict:
In summary, Hi Nanna stands as a respectable family drama, enriched with poignant moments. Nani, Mrunal Thakur, and Baby Kiara Khanna shine in their respective roles. The film’s strengths lie in its engaging storyline and memorable songs. However, pacing issues may hinder mass audience appeal, and certain segments could benefit from improved presentation. If you have a penchant for emotional dramas, Hi Nanna makes for a comfortable weekend watch.”