Full movie storyline:
“Hi Nanna” opens in modern-day Mumbai, introducing us to a close-knit family and a caring father, Viraj; his six year old daughter, Mahi; her ever loyal pet dog, Pluto; and their beloved home. Mahi, who suffers from cystic fibrosis, struggles with the absence of her mother, Varsha. Her father does his best to shield her from the pain, but he avoids answering Mahi’s questions about where Varsha is.
One evening, frustrated and confused, Mahi runs away from home with Pluto by her side. They are quickly rescued by Yashna, a compassionate woman who takes them in. Yashna’s genuine bond with Mahi leads to a touching dinner with Viraj and Mahi, where she gently offers to play the role of Mahi’s mother—just to help the little girl imagine what her real mom might have been like. What starts as a comforting lie prompts Viraj to open up. He narrates his past: a decade earlier, he met a broken-hearted woman named Varsha in Coonoor. Their bond grew, leading to marriage despite financial struggles and familial concerns. But their happiness was short-lived. Mahi was born with a terminal condition, and grief overwhelmed Varsha, who began to blame Viraj.
Tragedy struck when the couple got into an accident. Varsha survived—but with no memory of her past. Her mother convinced Viraj that Varsha had left him, so he raised Mahi alone. Now, in present-day Mumbai, Yashna, who is actually Varsha with amnesia, reconnects unknowingly with her family—made possible by Pluto, who recognizes her scent. Slowly, the warmth of love and lost memories find their way back. Yashna becomes engaged to Dr. Aravind, the man who treated her after the accident.When Mahi’s health takes a critical turn, Yashna rushes to their side, leaving her engagement behind and beginning to rediscover her real connection with Mahi and Viraj.
The story culminates in an emotional reunion. Mahi undergoes surgery and recovers. At the end, a grown-up, healthy Mahi stands on stage and sings a song her mother taught her—a powerful moment that shows the healing power of love, memory, and a dog’s loyalty.
What is the plot of the movie?
“Hi Nanna” is a touching narrative that highlights the enduring power of family connections, even in the face of sickness, distance, and faded memories. The plot revolves around Mahi, a spirited young girl battling cystic fibrosis, who longs to understand the truth about her absent mother. Her story becomes the link that reunites her separated loved ones. Viraj, her father, is a quiet pillar of strength, dedicating his life to raising Mahi with unwavering love while carrying the weight of past heartbreak. The story takes a dramatic turn when Varsha, Mahi’s mother, reappears in their lives—unaware of her past due to amnesia. Her path to rediscovery and emotional healing is as moving as it is transformative. The climactic reunion of the family is both tender and powerful, underscored by moments of raw vulnerability and unwavering hope. What makes this story even more touching is the role of Pluto, the family’s loyal pet dog, whose presence gently guides the characters toward love, connection, and the lost pieces of their lives. “Hi Nanna” is more than a love story—it’s a heartfelt journey of rediscovery, resilience, and the enduring ties that bind both people and pets.
Movie Highlights with the Roles That Win Your Heart:
Nani as Viraj: Nani delivers a heartfelt and restrained performance. His portrayal of a single father is filled with subtle emotions—he doesn’t overplay, but you feel every moment of pain, love, and sacrifice through his eyes and expressions.
Mrunal Thakur as Varsha/Yashna: Mrunal brings layers to her character, balancing vulnerability and strength. She captures the emotional confusion of memory loss and the gradual rediscovery of love with grace and depth.
Kiara Khanna as Mahi: Kiara is the soul of the film. For such a young actor, her natural expressions and emotional timing are remarkable. She makes Mahi’s innocence, curiosity, and emotional swings believable and endearing.
Pluto the Dog: Though not a human actor, Pluto’s presence is powerful. Whether offering comfort or guiding scenes emotionally, the dog’s calm behavior and well-trained actions added authenticity to key moments like, Initially, Varsha dislikes pets and questions Viraj’s love through his bond with Pluto. When Viraj sells Pluto to afford a camera, Varsha leaves, feeling he can't handle responsibility. Realizing Pluto symbolized their love, Viraj brings him back, rekindling their relationship. Mahi later flees with Pluto, who unknowingly leads her straight to her real mother, Yashna. In a touching reveal, Viraj names his daughter Mahi, after the girl who once returned Pluto, honoring the emotional journey they shared.
Why is Hi Nanna considered a heartfelt film for pet parents?
The magic of companionship between the characters and the dog:
From Reluctance to Realization: Varsha’s Change of Heart
Varsha’s initial dislike for pets made her question Viraj’s emotional focus through his loyalty to Pluto. But over time, his affection softened her views. Slowly, she began to see Pluto not as just a dog, but as a reflection of Viraj’s emotional depth and loyalty.
Separation, Sacrifice, and Reunion
Struggling financially, Viraj sold Pluto to buy a camera, hoping to build their future. Varsha, hurt by the decision, saw it as irresponsibility and left. Later, realizing Pluto symbolized their love, Viraj brought him back, which helped mend their broken relationship.
A Symbol of Destiny and Emotional Legacy
When Mahi ran away, Pluto led her to Yashna—unknowingly guiding the family’s reunion. Years earlier, Pluto had been given to a girl named Mahi. In tribute, Viraj named his daughter after her, honoring the emotional journey Pluto carried them through.
Where is the “Hi Nanna” movie dog now?
After the film’s release, Pluto’s canine actor received wide affection for his heartfelt performance. While there’s no public information naming him, he's likely in the care of a trusted trainer and family. Some reports suggest he may remain involved in future film or ad projects, but his current whereabouts haven’t been shared publicly—leaving fans hoping this special pup continues to find joy and safety off-screen.
Key takeaways:
“Hi Nanna” beautifully emphasizes how the loyalty of a dog can bring healing to even the most broken of hearts. Pluto, the family’s dog, reminds us why pets are not just animals but family—offering unconditional love, safety, and emotional support.
The story shows that love transcends memory, as Varsha’s bond with her child and Pluto reawakens despite her amnesia. Through this, the film proves that pet-centric storytelling adds emotional depth, resonating deeply with audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions on “Hi Nanna Movie”:
Q1: Is the dog in the “Hi Nanna” movie a real dog?
Yes, the dog in the “Hi Nanna” movie was a real dog.
Q2: Which dog was used in the “Hi Nanna” movie?
Golden Retriever was used in “Hi Nanna” movie.
Q3: Is "Hi Nanna" inspired by real-life events?
No, "Hi Nanna" is not a true story, but it is partly inspired by real-life observations and experiences of the director, Shouryuv.
Q4: Where was “Hi Nanna” filmed?
The movie "Hi Nanna" was primarily filmed in several locations, including Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Coonoor.
Q6: What awards did “Hi Nanna” win?
Hi Nanna received widespread acclaim through several prestigious awards both in India and abroad. At the Oniros Film Awards in New York, it earned top honors including Best Film, Best Actor (Nani), Best Actress (Mrunal Thakur), and Best Child Actor (Kiara Khanna). The film won major accolades at the Swedish International Film Festival and received the Best Feature Film award at the Athens International Art Film Festival. In India, Hi Nanna was celebrated at the SIIMA Awards and IIFA Utsavam, earning recognition for acting (notably Mrunal Thakur), directing (Shouryuv), and music (Hesham Abdul Wahab).
Q7: Is there a sequel planned for “Hi Nanna”?
As of now, there is no official confirmation about a sequel to “Hi Nanna.”
