'Hi Nanna', produced by Vyra Entertainments, is the latest film to hit the screens. When the film's trailer was out, it threateningly appeared to be the least of Nani's single-screen movies in recent times. How is 'Hi Nanna'? Is it more than the multiplex sensibilities it presumably boasts? Find out in our review:
Plot:
Celebrity photographer Viraj (Nani) dotes on his 6-year-old daughter Mahi (Baby Kiara Khanna). As a single parent, Viraj values Mahi and treats her to his bedtime stories. Mahi pesters him to narrate a story involving her mother, who is presumed to have either divorced him or is dead. There comes a day when Viraj has to narrate his past to his daughter in the presence of a stranger named Yashna (Mrunal Thakur). Mahi imagines Yashna as her mother in the story. Is there a twist in the tale? What is it? How are Mahi, Viraj and Yashna going to reconcile with their new-found reality? That's what the rest of the film is about.
Performances:
Nani and Mrunal complement each other in this roller-coaster ride of a multitude of emotions. The lead actors receive able support from the rest of the cast, especially the Malayalam actor Jayaram. After playing a comical character in 'Ponniyin Selvan', Jayaram is seen in an emotional role in 'Hi Nanna'.
Priyadarshi is seen as Viraj's colleague at work. Angad Bedi is seen as Yashna's fiance. Viraj Ashwin of 'Baby' fame is seen in a bit role of no consequence.
The casting suffers to an extent. The actress who plays Yashna's mother is constantly angry. Shruti Haasan's cameo is another minus. The song 'Odiyamma' just doesn't help.
Technical Departments:
Hesham Abdul Wahab's background music is far from splendid. But it suffices in elevating the emotion in quite a few scenes. The songs 'Samayama' and 'Ammaadi' match the film's classy overtones. Praveen Anthony's editing delves into the non-linear nature of the screenplay.
Sanu John Varghese of 'Jersey' and 'Shyam Singha Roy' fame lets the characters do the nuanced talk without going for overbearing angles.
Merits:
1. The storyline is quite interesting.
2. The interval twist is effective. It makes us forgive the predictable and hackneyed romantic track we saw in the first hour.
3. The father-daughter emotional bond.
4. The third act is soulful. Director Shouyuv shows maturity in handling the last half an hour.
Demerits:
1. Some scenes required better dialogue-writing. The lines written by Nagendra Kasi lack heft in those scenes.
2. A very ordinary romantic track with convenient ideas.
3. The stretch involving Shruti Haasan.
Vox Verdict:
'Hi Nanna' is not your typical entertainer or masala film. It is meant for the family audience who revel in certain dramatic sensibilities. The final 30 minutes will be loved by the audience.
Rating: 2.75/5
