Hawaa Hawaai

The one person who has mastered the art of how to deal with and extract some exceptional work from kids in Hindi films is Amole Gupte and the director has strongly proved his praiseworthy skill in films like TAARE ZAMEEN PAR (as creative director) and STANLEY KA DABBA winning much recognition including the National Awards. So as expected, one gets to see the glimpses of the same lovable art form in HAWAA HAWAAI too but in a more decorated manner, somewhat different from what we had earlier seen in Amole's previous films.

HAWAA HAWAAI begins well and remains focused on the kids alone, which actually is its major triumph card played throughout the film intelligently. The first half holds out well and the second half gives you some emotional moments too with the final tournament executed in an engaging style. However this time we have a project based on a sport, which is not that famous in the country (found only in the metros) along with some over the top and unrequired sequences too which don't allow the film to excel in its overall execution.

For instance, the 30 Rupees insertion was quite a deliberate one since even a street kid knows that he cannot even get 1 liter of milk in that small amount or even one cutting chai available at a minimum of 5-10 Rupees in the market. So how can they believe just 30 Rupees to be the price of a big roller-blade set being sold at a lavish store, particularly when the kids are supposed to be so sharp & witty in their otherwise mutual interactions? Secondly all those iron-man kind of armors looked like too filmy to be incorporated in a Amole Gupte film desperately trying to make a stronger impact. And lastly a love angle thrown in just for the sake of it was also a clear indication of side- plot inserted forcefully.

So in short, the meaningful warmth witnessed in Amole's STANLEY KA DABAA is sadly missing here and the completely predictable theme of the film plays a major drawback too as always seen in projects based on Sports theme. But still Amole once again brings forward a burning issue of our society i.e. of Child Labour and Minimum Education as the right of every kid residing in the country. The sequences showing the big, ugly class divide existing all around us, hit you hard and one does begin thinking about the same, as the film ends with an interesting scene of a primary class being attended by the grown up kids.

Here I would like to mention a very important sequence in the film, wherein the coach starts training the poor kid, feeling both the responsibility and pride in doing this noble act. But in the process, forgets about the nutrition level to be maintained along with the physically draining, training sessions provided in nights. And I really found this thoughtful insertion a very enlightening one, pointing towards the fact that it's not just sufficient to provide all the kids their minimum education, but we also need to look into their 'nutritional needs' too in order to get their overall development in a much balanced manner.

Revolving around all realistic characters, HAWAA HAWAAI plays the underdog card well in its second half and the performances lift up the film with a fine display of friendship, will power and focused ambitions. The situational soundtrack doesn't grab your attention as it should have but the cinematography presents it delightfully leaving a positive impact. Saqib Saleem wins your heart as the selfless coach. Plus both Neha Joshi (the mother) & Anuj Sachdeva (the elder brother) are terrific in their respective roles. The supporting cast contributes greatly, especially Razzak Khan playing the positive character helping the kids in his garage in just two scenes.

Actually the film deserves to be seen for the five kids alone led by the talented Partho Gupte who once again delivers an astonishing performance as the hardworking boy. He remains the real hero of the film along with his four friends Bhura (Salman Chhote Khan), Gochi (Ashfaque Khan), Abdul (Maaman Memon) and Bindaas Murugan (Tirupathi Krishnapelli), with Gochi taking away most of the smiles in the theater.

In all, despite being predictable and having few avoidable sequences, HAWAA HAWAAI still can be called a decent attempt spreading awareness among the society, keeping the living spirit alive in the underprivileged kids. It's honestly not a step ahead by Amole Gupte but deserves to be seen for its sincere, inspirational performances for sure. Also because we rarely make films here with the kids playing the key roles.

Directed by Amol Gupte, Hawaa Hawaai is an inspirational movie for children. The story is very basic and deals with the life of a child tea vendor trying to excel in skating and finally makes it with all hardships. Arjun (the protagonist) has a bunch of slum friends who supports him in his endeavor. He has had a troubled life since childhood, as his father dies when he is very young and he is forced into working as a tea vendor. Story develops into an adaption of Eklavya's life and the dreams of little children and ends with an emotional note. The first half of the film is funny, fast paced and interesting. However, during the second half the story loses its pace, ending with a dramatized race scene which would not interest audience of all ages. Saqib Saleem has done justice to his role just like his previous movies. The background music is neatly done and blends nicely with the emotional moments during the movie. Watch it on TV instead!

Hawaa Hawaai (Hindi): Finally 'Taare Zameen Par' got its replacement by its own screenwriter Amole Gupte whose script and direction in this film not only brings back the realism, charms and warmth of his 2011 film 'Stanley Ka Dabba' but makes the film a compulsory watching experience for all children and adults. Loaded with great cinematography by Amol Gole, superb editing by Deepa Bhatia and brilliant music score by Hitesh Sonik which make the narrative of this compact film slick and striking, the best part of the film is that you get to see the brilliant character development of all the characters which are warm and humane. The lead played by Partho Gupte and Saqib Saleem is simply superb along with the co-actors. Despite, the pre-climax being slightly draggy, HH ends up as a brilliant, gripping contemporary and charming cinematic experience worth a watch. My rating would be:4.5/5.

Small budgeted cinema have come up well which shows that time is certainly changing in Bollywood and it is definitely changing for good.

Hawa Hawaai is one of the most daring film which will inspire and motivate you with head-strong story of a 12 year old boy who succeeded and achieved within short span of time.

Ditrected by Amol Gupte who has been credited as creative director of Taare Zameen Par and Stanley Ka Dabba, Hawa Hawaai holds certain aspects of life and explores the inequality of children in the city of Mumbai. He succeeds in telling the story of brave kid who, despite all odds, dares to dream and achieves the goal. The screenplay is outstanding keeping the audience alive coupled with beautiful background score and strong performances. Music gels well with mood of the film supported with catchy cinematography and crisp editing. Partho A. Gupte delivers yet another knock-out performance after Stanley Ka Dabba and he gives his best. Saqib Saleem is getting better with each film and has proved his mettle in the film.

A nice , brave attempt with wonderful direction and hard-hitting performances. Very good 4/5

I entered in a theater with confused mind that it should be a paisa wasool or not.... But believe me its more than that.... Every single frame of the movie has been created brilliantly... I just love the movie... It inspired me a lot , it will inspire you will make you weep , will make you clap, will make you laugh... Just go for it it is a movie with great performances , great script . ALL GOOD... Saqib saleem improved with acting part and shines in the role of lucky sir, partho carries his role brilliantly.. The mother and partho's scenes will make you cry . The gang of partho (friends) will tickle you you'll smile and laugh every time when they come on screen.. There are plenty od moments which will make you laugh as well as make you cry.. The climax flashback scene is brilliantly shot.. You will jump out of your seat and shout go Arjun... Makrand deshpande in brief role satisfied us as a father... Hats off : Amol Gupte,.. Kudos...