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.

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

Amole Gupte has always fascinated me with his excellent approach towards children, emotions and drama. He captures the little things and reads between the lines to bring out fantastic images of pure sense, passion and realism.

Unfortunately, with Hawaa Hawaai he employs a tried, tested and succeeded formula that talks about a boy's wish to skate. The characters are written with finesse. Saqib Saleem's character is that of an altruist, which if we relate with reality, hampers the thought. There may be 5 out of 1000 people like this character which was previously found in Gupte's Taare Zameen Par i.e. Aamir Khan's character. Partho Gupte should be lauded for his brilliant performance, both while expressing and skating.

I loved the screenplay because it doesn't tell you everything at once. The lead characters' stories are narrated with time as the plot advances. Although the story is tad clichéd, the execution is fine. Supporting cast, music, cinematography and editing all are good. The four boys who enacted the roles of poor, street lads of Mumbai are the bees' knees and secondary cynosure of the film, after Gupte Jr.; I envied their friendship, mind you! The thing about sports movies is that they inspire but it is ironical to know that the inspiration fades after you leave the theater.

But still, this time Gupte samples ounces of melodrama which have varied effects: one, that it induces emotions into the viewers and two, it gives away the idea that the whole film is make-believe. Having said that, the climax is predictable and because I did not experience anything new, I rate it a humble 6.3 out of 10.

BOTTOM LINE: Just because the film doesn't bore and engages you to the core doesn't mean it is highbrow. It can be considered as a very watchable film if we are talking about all those recent potboilers in Bollywood. Recommended!

Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES

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...

Director and writer Mr. Amol Gupte's vision and execution are good. He didn't compromise for a single shot if it was required. In this type of sports based film you know the climax before watching the film so always screenplay makes it interesting and here it is. Dialogues are natural and powerful. It is a children based film but most of the dialogues have maturity. Casting and locations of this movie is so perfect that you start believing that you are witnessing a real world but alas, the length and presentation of climax again reminds you that after all it is a film. Humor and emotions are blended very well. Yeah there are few moments when you can feel your eyes getting moist. Maximum credit goes to actors. They are too good in emotional scenes. This movie will be definitely able to spread the roller skater wave among kids. Performance wise Saqib Saleem as coach is very good. He is too good in emotional scenes. Partho Gupte as Arjun is fantastic. Neha Joshi as Arjun's mother is so intense. Anuj Sachdeva and Pragya Yadav are fine. Rest four kids are powerful and natural performers. I wish I could have watched there more scenes. Music supports the film's mood well.