By Kannada Producer Alleges Natural Star Nani’s Hi Nanna is an Unofficial Remake of Bheema Sena Nala Maharaja
Natural Star Nani’s 2023 romantic drama Hi Nanna won the hearts of audiences with its emotional storytelling and powerful performances. The film, featuring Mrunal Thakur as the female lead, resonated deeply with viewers and performed well at the box office. Released in multiple languages, including Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi, the movie secured its place as a heartfelt family entertainer. However, nearly a year after its release, the film has landed in controversy due to allegations of plagiarism.
Recently, prominent Kannada film producer Pushkara Mallikarjunaiah accused Hi Nanna of being an unauthorized remake of the 2020 Kannada film Bheemasena Nalamaharaja. Taking to Instagram, he shared a post comparing the posters of both films and alleged that the makers of Hi Nanna adapted the story without obtaining official remake rights. His post, which quickly went viral, directly called out Natural Star Nani and the filmmakers for what he described as an unethical move.
“Without taking #RemakeRights, Hi Nanna has been made by copying our original movie Bheema Sena Nala Maharaja. What a cheap thing to do, @nameisnani,” wrote Pushkara in his Instagram post. His strong statement has sparked debates among fans and film industry professionals alike, with some supporting his claim while others believe the similarities between the two films might be coincidental.
Despite the serious allegations, neither Nani nor the makers of Hi Nanna have responded to the controversy so far. The silence from the team behind the film has only fueled further speculation, with many waiting to see whether legal action will be taken or if an official clarification will be issued.
Directed by Shouryuv, Hi Nanna received widespread acclaim upon its release, praised for its emotional depth and compelling narrative. The movie follows the journey of a single father and his daughter, exploring themes of love, loss, and the importance of relationships. Natural Star Nani’s performance as the doting father struck a chord with audiences, making it one of the most beloved Telugu films of the year. Adding to its success, the film secured a lucrative OTT deal and has been streaming on Netflix since January 2024, reaching an even wider audience.
On the other hand, Bheemasena Nalamaharaja, the Kannada film at the center of the controversy, was released in 2020 and directed by Karthik Saragur. The movie starred Aravinnd Iyer and Aarohi Narayan in lead roles, supported by Priyanka, Aadya, and Achyut Kumar. It was produced by Pushkara Mallikarjunaiah and was well-received for its unique storytelling, which blended elements of drama, food, and family dynamics.
The accusation that Hi Nanna is a direct adaptation of Bheemasena Nalamaharaja without proper authorization raises significant ethical and legal questions about intellectual property in the Indian film industry. This is not the first time a film has been accused of being a remake without official rights, and it once again brings to light the issue of originality in cinema.
As discussions around the controversy continue, fans of both films are divided. Some argue that similarities between stories are common and do not necessarily indicate plagiarism, while others believe that if the claims hold merit, the makers of Hi Nanna should have obtained the proper rights and given credit to the original creators.
Meanwhile, on the professional front, Nani is preparing for the release of HIT: The Third Case, directed by Sailesh Kolanu. The movie is part of the HIT franchise, which has gained popularity for its gripping investigative thrillers. With high expectations surrounding the upcoming film, Natural Star Nani’s fans are eagerly waiting for its release.
For now, the allegations against Hi Nanna remain unaddressed, leaving audiences to speculate on the truth behind the claims. Whether this controversy will escalate into legal proceedings or be resolved through discussions between the filmmakers remains to be seen. Until then, the debate over originality in Indian cinema continues.
