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The 2023 Telugu film is an emotional exploration of love, trauma, and the complexities of memory. Directed by

, it weaves a narrative about a father's struggle to protect his daughter from a painful past. The Core Premise The story centers on

(Nani), a professional photographer and doting single father to his six-year-old daughter, (Kiara Khanna). Mahi suffers from cystic fibrosis

, a condition that requires constant medical care and limits her life expectancy.

A significant portion of Mahi's life is defined by the absence of her mother, whom Viraj refuses to discuss. The narrative shifts when they meet

(Mrunal Thakur), a woman who quickly forms a deep, inexplicable bond with Mahi. The Hidden Truth Hi Nanna

As the film progresses, it is revealed that Yashna is actually

, Viraj's wife and Mahi's biological mother. Years prior, a tragic accident left Varsha with permanent memory loss , specifically erasing her time with Viraj and Mahi. The Sacrifice

: To spare her the pain of her past trauma and the burden of a child she didn't recall, Viraj and Varsha's mother allowed her to move on with a new identity. The Conflict

: Viraj lives a double life—raising Mahi while watching the woman he loves live a completely separate life, eventually becoming engaged to another man, Dr. Aravind Deep Themes & Character Layers The "deep" story of goes beyond a typical romance: Generational Trauma

: Varsha's original fear of parenthood was rooted in her own parents' divorce, a trauma so deep she initially didn't want a child. Parental Devotion The 2023 Telugu film is an emotional exploration

: The film portrays the "perfect father" trope through Viraj, but also shows his human flaws—his loneliness, his nightly research into Mahi's condition, and his moments of drunken frustration. Redemption & Second Chances

: The ending resolves with Mahi’s life-saving surgery performed by Dr. Aravind, and Varsha finally reclaiming her place in her family after realizing the truth. Real-Life Inspiration

While the film's specific plot is fictional, it draws inspiration from real stories of "love after amnesia," such as a well-known case in Canada where a man with memory loss fell in love with his wife all over again. or more information on the musical score by Hesham Abdul Wahab?

Performances

  • Nani delivers one of his finest performances. Known for his naturalistic style, he portrays Viraj’s quiet desperation and boundless love with subtle grace. His scenes with Kiara Khanna are the film’s emotional core, and his breakdowns feel earned, not manipulative.
  • Mrunal Thakur excels in a dual role (metaphorically, as past and present versions of Yashna). She brings a luminous warmth to the romance and heartbreaking distance to the later segments, showcasing her range.
  • Kiara Khanna as Mahi is a revelation—neither cloying nor precocious for effect. Her chemistry with Nani is so authentic that many viewers forgot they were watching a performance.

Reception and Box Office

Hi Nanna opened to glowing reviews. Critics praised its mature writing, performances, and refusal to bow to formula. On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 100% approval rating (based on select critics). Audiences, especially families and urban viewers, connected deeply with its realistic portrayal of relationships.

Commercially, the film was a sleeper hit. Made on a moderate budget, it grossed over ₹75 crore worldwide, with strong contributions from international markets (US, Australia) where diaspora audiences appreciated its universal theme of parental love. It was also dubbed into Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam, expanding its reach. Performances

Summary

Hi Nanna is a gentle reminder that love stories do not always have a perfect path, but they are always worth telling. It is a film that feels like a warm hug—a celebration of fatherhood, sacrifice, and enduring love.

Where to watch: The film is currently available for streaming on Netflix (in Telugu with various language dubs).

The Plot: More Than Just a Love Story

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?"

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.

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.

The Performances: The Soul of the Film

No discussion of Hi Nanna is complete without bowing down to the cast.