Nayanthara-Kavin’s ‘Hi’ trailer out: What happens when love and marriage don’t go as planned?

What happens when a man who desperately wants to fall in love meets a woman who has no interest in playing by the usual rules of romance? That seems to be the question at the heart of ‘Hi’, the upcoming Tamil film starring Kavin and Nayanthara.

The trailer for ‘Hi’ was released on Thursday, giving audiences a closer look at Vishnu Edavan’s directorial debut. The nearly three-minute trailer introduces Kavin as Mayilsamy, a man whose search for love has been anything but successful. He keeps looking for the right person, only to find himself facing one disappointment after another.

Then comes Devayani, played by Nayanthara.

Mayilsamy appears to fall for her quite quickly, but this is clearly not going to be the easy romance he has been hoping for. Devayani does not seem particularly interested in following the usual rules of relationships, and his feelings for her are met with rejection.

Things become even more complicated when circumstances push the two towards marriage. The trailer gives away just enough to suggest that the real story begins after this unexpected turn, as the pair have to figure out what their relationship actually means.

Kavin and Nayanthara bring an unusual pairing

One of the more interesting aspects of the trailer is the pairing itself. Kavin and Nayanthara have not shared the screen before, and ‘Hi’ uses that unfamiliarity to its advantage.

There is plenty of humour in the trailer, but it is not being presented as a straightforward rom-com.

Mayilsamy’s earnest attempts to find love are contrasted with Devayani’s more unconventional approach to relationships. Their differences create much of the comedy, while the marriage twist gives the story its emotional hook.

The film appears to be asking a fairly simple question: can love grow between two people who begin their relationship under completely unexpected circumstances?

The trailer also suggests that family will play an important role, with familiar faces adding to the lighter moments. The cast includes Radhika Sarathkumar, Prabhu, VTV Ganesh and K. Bhagyaraj, among others.

Vishnu Edavan makes his directorial debut

‘Hi’ marks the first film as director for lyricist Vishnu Edavan, who has also written the movie. Before moving behind the camera, Edavan worked as an assistant director with Lokesh Kanagaraj.

The trailer has already caught Kanagaraj’s attention. After watching it, the filmmaker praised his former associate, saying, “You've made me proud da,” according to reports.

Edavan seems to have opted for an accessible mix of romance, comedy and family drama rather than making the film an overly serious love story.

The unusual situation involving Mayilsamy and Devayani gives the film its central conflict, while the supporting cast appears to bring plenty of warmth and humour.

‘Hi’ carries one of Bhagyaraj’s final screen appearances

The trailer also arrives with a bittersweet significance for fans of veteran actor and filmmaker K Bhagyaraj. He features in ‘Hi’, but passed away in June this year at the age of 73 after suffering a heart attack in Chennai.

Bhagyaraj was one of Tamil cinema’s most recognisable writer-directors and actors, known for films rooted in everyday relationships and family life. His career included more than 25 directorial ventures and over 75 acting credits.

His presence in ‘Hi’ therefore gives the film an added emotional significance, particularly for audiences who have followed his work over the years. His last rites were conducted with full state honours in Chennai.

Directed by Vishnu Edavan, Hi is scheduled to release in theatres on August 28, 2026. The film is produced by Zee Studios, Seven Screen Studio and Rowdy Pictures, with Nayanthara also attached as a producer.