Upon release, Hi Nanna received rave reviews from critics (averaging 4/5 stars). While it faced tough competition from Salaar: Part 1 and Dunki, the film held its ground due to positive word of mouth. It eventually crossed the ₹100 crore worldwide gross mark, solidifying Nani’s position as a bankable star who can open a film on the strength of a story alone, not just star power.
Mrunal Thakur proves she is the queen of period romance (Sita Ramam) and modern tragedy. As Yashna, she is bubbly without being annoying. In the second half, her character undergoes a massive shift, and Mrunal handles the gravitas with ease. Her chemistry with Nani is electric—arguably the most organic pairing of 2023. Hi Nanna
At its core, Hi Nanna is the story of Viraj (Nani), a single father living a serene life in the hill stations of Coonoor with his six-year-old daughter, Mahi (Kiara Khanna). The plot hinges on a simple, devastating question posed by the child: "Who is my mother?" Upon release, Hi Nanna received rave reviews from
Viraj, a fashion photographer, suffers from selective amnesia regarding his past. While he remembers everything about his career and current life, the face and name of his wife—Mahi’s mother—are a complete blank. The narrative unfolds as Viraj tells Mahi a bedtime story, which is essentially his own past. Mrunal Thakur proves she is the queen of
Enter Yashna (Mrunal Thakur), a free-spirited, confident medical student who literally bumps into Viraj in Mumbai. What follows is a non-linear narrative that weaves together two timelines: the past (falling in love) and the present (dealing with the fallout).
However, the film subverts expectations. Hi Nanna is not merely a "will they, won’t they" romance. It is a mystery thriller wrapped in a family drama. The climax delivers a gut-punch twist regarding the mother’s absence that re-contextualizes every happy moment you witnessed in the first half. Without spoiling the film, it suffices to say that the film handles themes of terminal illness, chosen family, and sacrifice with a maturity rarely seen in mainstream Indian cinema.