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8.5/10
FilmFascination Rating
If I had to describe Hi Nanna in just one word, it would be wholesome.
The pure, ear-to-ear smile I had when the movie ended was the kind of happiness I hadn’t felt in a long time. It was an honest, heartfelt smile — the kind only a truly beautiful movie can bring out.
Over the past few weeks, I had watched a string of movies that didn’t quite land for me. One of them was Requiem for a Dream, a highly praised film that, despite its brilliant technicality and powerful camera work, left me cold. I could appreciate its filmmaking on a technical level, but emotionally, it felt distant. And for someone like me, who craves a movie to connect with each week, that emotional void left me restless.
So I was desperately in need of a film that could save my week — something warm, genuine, and immersive. Hi Nanna was that savior.
Directed by Shouryuv, Hi Nanna is a heartwarming Telugu film about Viraj (played by Nani), a celebrated fashion photographer and a devoted single father. His life revolves around his six-year-old daughter, Mahi (played by the delightful Kiara Khanna), who is battling cystic fibrosis. Along with Mahi’s grandfather (Jayaram), they form a close-knit trio, navigating life’s challenges with love and resilience.
However, the question about Mahi’s mother remains a constant undercurrent. Mahi, curious and longing to know her roots, often asks her father to tell her the story of her mother. Viraj, however, always deflects the question — until one day, Mahi demands a promise: if she comes first in her class, he must tell her everything. When he hesitates even after she fulfils her side of the deal, Mahi, heartbroken, runs away from home — her loyal dog Pluto in tow. It’s during this emotional moment that she meets Yashna (Mrunal Thakur), a compassionate stranger who not only saves her but also becomes a bridge in healing old wounds. What unfolds after is a story filled with love, loss, healing, and a few unexpected but satisfying twists.
What truly makes Hi Nanna shine is how genuine everything feels — the relationships, the emotions, the journey. It’s not just about the big plot points; it’s about the small moments, the unspoken feelings, and the beautiful bonds between characters.
The love between Viraj and Mahi is so palpable that you feel like you’re intruding on something real. Even the friendship between Viraj and his loyal friend (played wonderfully by Priyadarshi Pulikonda) is so organic that it adds layers to Viraj’s character without ever feeling forced.
Nani’s performance deserves a special mention. He brings a natural subtlety that makes Viraj feel incredibly real — no melodrama, no over-the-top expressions, just pure, heartfelt acting. Watching him evolve from a vulnerable, heartbroken young man to a strong, devoted father was one of the film’s greatest joys. Mrunal Thakur, with her warmth and sincerity, matches him perfectly, while Kiara Khanna’s portrayal of Mahi is irresistibly charming. It’s rare for a child actor to bring such maturity without losing innocence, but Kiara pulls it off effortlessly.
The supporting cast, especially Jayaram as the grandfather and Priyadarshi as the friend, add so much flavor to the narrative. They bring humor, depth, and emotional richness without ever stealing the spotlight. In fact, one of the film’s biggest strengths is how it balances laughter and tears, light moments and heavy ones, all without ever feeling jarring.
Of course, there were a few minor moments where I thought, “Was this scene really necessary?” But they are so few and far between that they hardly register. The emotional connection the movie builds with the audience easily overcomes any small flaws. It’s the kind of story where you find yourself rooting for the characters, laughing with them, hurting with them, and ultimately feeling uplifted by their journey.
Another thing that amazed me was how the movie handled its length. Hi Nanna runs for nearly 2 hours and 40 minutes, but at no point did I feel restless or distracted. The pacing is gentle yet engaging, keeping you emotionally invested throughout. It’s a rare experience where you get so immersed in the world of the movie that time simply ceases to matter.
Hi Nanna is a celebration of love in all its forms — parental, romantic, platonic — and a reminder of how healing it can be when we allow ourselves to connect with others. It’s tender, uplifting, and leaves you with a warmth that stays with you long after the credits roll.
For anyone looking for a movie that’s pure, heartfelt, and beautifully crafted, Hi Nanna is an absolute must-watch.
If a friend asked me right now for a recommendation — something to relax with, something to feel good about — Hi Nanna would undoubtedly be one of the first names out of my mouth.
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