Mahana
2016, English. Directed by Lee Tamahori.
From the author of Whale Rider, the screenwriter of Master and Commander and the producer and director of Once Were Warriors comes a profound and enduring tale of rural family life.
1960s, East Coast of New Zealand. Two Māori sheep-shearing families, the Mahanas and the Poatas, are longstanding enemies and commercial rivals. 14-year-old Simeon Mahana, the youngest son of the youngest son is in conflict with his traditionalist grandfather, Tamihana. As Simeon unravels the truth behind the longstanding family vendetta he risks not just his own future prospects but the cohesion of the entire tight-knit society.
- Runtime
- 1h 43m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch Mahana
Mahana isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free or rent it or buy it online.
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Availability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Lee TamahoriDirector
- Temuera MorrisonGrandfather Tamihana Mahana
- Akuhata KeefeSimeon Mahana
- Nancy BrunningRamona Mahana
- Jim MoriartyRupeni Poata
- Regan TaylorJoshua Mahana
- Maria WalkerHuria Mahana
- Sienna MacKinlayGloria Mahana
- Tuhiwhakauraoterangi Wallace-IhakaraHope Mahana
- Kyra McRaeFaith Mahana
- Eds EramihaPani
- Ngahuia PiripiMiriam Mahana
- Matariki WhatarauMohi
Details
- Released
- 1 September 2016
- Country
- New Zealand
- Written by
- John Collee
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News & fan talk
What Mahana is based on
Mahana is based on Bulibasha: King of the Gypsies (1994) by Witi Ihimaera.
1994
Bulibasha: King of the Gypsies
By Witi Ihimaera
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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Mahana: quick answers
Is Mahana worth watching?
Mahana doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is Mahana?
Mahana runs 103 minutes (1h 43m).
Does Mahana have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Mahana. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Mahana parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Mahana yet.
Which OTT platform is Mahana on?
Mahana isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free or rent it or buy it online. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like Mahana?
If you liked Mahana, try In My Father's Den, The Visit, What Maisie Knew.
Who directed Mahana?
Mahana (2016) was directed by Lee Tamahori and stars Temuera Morrison, Akuhata Keefe, Nancy Brunning.
What is Mahana based on?
Mahana is based on Bulibasha: King of the Gypsies (1994) by Witi Ihimaera.