Hi Nanna Movie Review: Nani and Mrunal Thakur Shine in a Touching Story of Love and Connection.

Plot: 

Viraj (played by Nani) is a professional photographer in Mumbai and a sole caregiver to his 6-year-old daughter, Mahii (portrayed by Baby Kaira Khanna). The family also includes Mahi's grandfather (played by Jayaram) and their dog, Pluto. Mahi is facing a serious illness called Cystic Fibrosis, which she sweetly refers to as '65 roses'.  Mahii often asks about her mom, but Viraj avoids talking about her. Viraj agrees to discuss his wife only if Mahii gets top marks. Although Mahii achieves this, Viraj doesn't keep his promise. Upset, Mahii leaves home but is saved by Yashna (played by Mrunal Thakur) from an accident. Yashna joins forces with Mahi to encourage Viraj to talk about Mahi's mom. The story Viraj shares is about his love story with Varsha (again played by Mrunal Thakur), which happened in Coonoor near Ooty. Their love story, despite facing challenges and opposition, grows and results in marriage. The rest of the story reveals why their relationship fell apart, where Mahi's mom is now, and what happens to Yashna,  , who feels a growing connection to this father-daughter duo.

Hi Nanna Movie Review: 

Hi Nanna starts as a lovely love story and turns into a touching tale of facing challenges for love. The bond between the dad and daughter is a significant part of the film. The first half is well-structured and leaves us on a suspenseful note, suggesting something heartbreaking might have happened to the love story.

The second half drags a bit with repetitive scenes, and Yashna's upcoming marriage is not given much attention until later in the story. The daughter's desire for a mother is overshadowed by the conflicts between the main characters. The film picks up when the daughter learns the truth about her mother, and Jayaram's character brings in a surprising twist, adding more depth to the story.

Performance:

Roles like Viraj come effortlessly to Nani, and he once again captivates the audience with his emotionally resonant performance. Nani's on-screen chemistry with Mrunal is excellent, adding another layer of charm to their performances.

Mrunal Thakur's character is the emotional core of the film, thoughtfully crafted. She delivers an outstanding performance and once again shines with her fabulous portrayal.

Baby Kiara Khanna fits her character perfectly and is absolutely charming in her role.  She delivers her dialogues with confidence, and her scenes with Nani and Mrunal are delightful and well-executed.

Jayaram, Priyadarshi, Nasser, Angad Bedi, and the rest of the cast skillfully handle their roles. 

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Technical Aspects:

The debutant writer-director Shouryuv delivers a praiseworthy effort. The storyline is captivating, and the dialogues possess significant depth. While the narrative pace may be on the slower side, the film compensates with impactful emotional scenes. Shouryuv effectively extracts excellent performances from the cast, showcasing his directorial skills. Overall, Shouryuv's debut is a promising venture that successfully engages the audience with its interesting plot and compelling character portrayals.

The musical compositions and background score by Hesham Abdul Wahab in the film are truly wonderful. His exceptional work stands out,  creating a musical ambiance that adds significant value to the storytelling. The soothing tunes, coupled with delightful visuals, enhance the overall cinematic experience.

Sanu John Varghese's camera skillfully captures the scenic locales of Ooty and Goa, presenting them beautifully on screen.

Summary:

Hi Nanna is a decent family drama with notable emotional highlights. The film's strengths lie in its engaging storyline and appealing songs.  The performances by Nani, Mrunal Thakur, and Baby Kiara Khanna are commendable in their respective roles. However, it's a bit slow, and not everyone might love it. If you like emotional stories, you can consider watching it this week with your family.