Hellaro

One of the finest movies of the year. It's in-depth research of 70's society of regional India is breathtakingly mesmerising. Characters are well developed, cinematography is top-notch, acting is commendable, music is groovy, direction is good. Writing was always going to be tricky as it is a period drama, and it has thus few plot holes. But acting, dialogues are saviours to direction and Hellaro is an enjoyable film. Very few dull moments (that too if you find those cheesy), else it's an excellent film.

P. S. If you expect Satyajit Ray or Bimal Roy type direction, might get misunderstood. This is a film to embrace change when the world and society is changing. With no sense of economical background shown and all that of social areas have been discussed, film required no serious raw scenes. Its quite natural out there where any modern Indian village people would do what's required.

Movie is awesome. This is my first Gujarati movie. If don't know Gujarati watch with subtitle.

I had given my opinion after watching this movie on the same day on Facebook. Below is the same.

Let me come directly to the point. I just came back home watching HELLARO movie which won the Best Feature film in 66th National Film Awards. However, on a contrary India's official entry for Oscar is GULLY BOY. I am not denying the fact that GULLY BOY is equally amazing movie in cinematic and story wise, but I don't think it was Oscar worthy. Although these days there is a big question mark on credibility of Oscar, but that is a separate topic of discussion.

Being a cinema lover, I felt that India just missed an opportunity of bringing Oscar home by not sending HELLARO to Oscars. I generally don't write reviews or any posts as I am not an expert here or don't possess the skills to do the same. But not seeing review from known critics/reviewer of a National award-winning film does make be feel sad as they are busy reviewing movies like Houseful 4, despite knowing that it is not cinema, maybe they get paid more there even just to write about it. By the way they also review English movies. A passionate film critique job doesn't just stop at just reviewing the popular films or the language in which they are comfortable in, Cinema is beyond languages & popularity, I am not asking them to review each regional movie, but they can at least review film which has won a major national award.

As far as my opinion goes, HELLARO was incredible in all the aspects. The film has amazing production value in terms of performances by all the actors which are very real, right pacing/editing, special mention for cinematography for capturing colorful canvas and showing just enough light for the night scenes, being a garba based movie, music played a key role which touched the right chord with the viewer and does justice to the story, some dialogs really packed a punch and the amazing scene designs by use of slow motion in right sense which will definitely give you goosebumps. To put this in a nutshell, this film has set the benchmark in Gujarati film industry. Well I can keep writing about Climax, but I think you should watch it to experience it. This film may not even last a week in Mumbai, but it may, if you go to watch this film after reading this note.

P.S: When I searched on YouTube for this film review, I got few reviews by some YouTube users with 4K-6K views on their video. However, these days there is trend of few YouTuber who just react on the videos and their reaction to HELLARO has more than 50K views and they are not even Indian YouTuber :D

It would not be exaggerating if I call it the best movie released till now in year 2019 across all languages. Anything and everything about this movie is just perfect. The director ( Abhishek Shah is a very well known name in Gujarati Theatre fraternity) has taken of care each and every minute details, music is just mesmerising, choreographers have done their job so nicely, you will not see such kind of use of Garba in any other movie, in past and for next many years to come. Singers like Aditya Gadhvi, Bhumi Trivedi, Aishwarya Majmudar and Shruti Pathak are icing on the cake. Saumya Joshi has given life to it by giving fantastic lyrics and all dialogues in the movie. And best part is all the actors, particularly female cast ( not a single flaw I could find in anybody's acting) Jayesh More sir deserves a big award for his role in movie (May be oscar only .. watch movie , you will not find it even little exaggerating ).

I know it would be difficult for any non gujju to comprehend full essence of dialogues, however, please go and watch, you will find this the best movie in 2019 because of its music, acting, screenplay, storyline and whatnot. (For gujjus, you would love each and every dialogue written by Saumya Joshi sir) Loved each and every moment of this movie

This is my first Gujarati movie, Watched with subtitles "on", Hellaro is a movie worth watching not only for its message but for showcasing the different shades of a woman. The garba dance sequences are amazing I think its worth it.

it is really based on the tales on the vrajvani dham temple where the women of ahir caste sacrificed their life for playing garba.

A visual treat, strong acting, Excellent music,very basic yet powerful message,emotional journey of characters, irony this films offers all.

No matter what is your native language is, read subtitle if you like, you will be immersed into the river of emotions!

Being a cinema lover, I felt that India just missed an opportunity of bringing Oscar home by not sending HELLARO to Oscars. Deep meaning Dialogues and Music works like icing on a cake.

I request you to watch this movie with your family even if you aren't Gujarati.

A must watch movie!