Habaddi

Loved this film!

It is good to see how marathi cinema is picking up today. This is a very sensitive topic and im glad it has been addressed.

I loved the look of this film.

It is funny but at the same time it also touches your heart.

It isa simple heartwarming film. Good acting by all actors. It is a verygood topicwhich hasbeen dealt with...in a very simple and fun manner.

It has a lot of laughout loud moments...... We could enjoy all sit together andenjoy the movie as a family .

Over all a fun watch.

Habaddi (Kabaddi with an H) is a fine kids' film but one whose plot points I can't agree with. For starters, the title is not really relevant here because the lead kid (with a stutter) never utters the word 'kabaddi' (an Indian sport) nor does he attempt to. So, I don't know if the kid actually utters it as 'habaddi'. Secondly, I cannot sympathise with the kid because he resorts to stealing to make random contraptions and the film tends to celebrate it, which I can never agree with. He does it so that he could go to Mumbai to meet his sweetheart, and ends up joining a kabaddi team. A lot happens before this story arc, but by the time the climax stands up to welcome me, I had lost interest. Nevertheless, there are a few quirky elements in Habaddi (like the legend of the naked ghost, for instance) that kept me hooked, which is why I would tag it as an average film. May not be worth showing it to kids because of its wrong messaging about stealing. I don't find that funny. Grade C.

(Reviewed during its Australian premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM).)

Amazing job by the cast and crew ! The movie is easy on the eyes and tugs at the heartstrings.

The lead child character is super easy to root for and with a very endearing smile.

Especially loved the look of the film and the music and sound effects. Very impressed by director Nachiket Samant's vision and execution.

Look forward to more original work from him.

A feel good movie that is also so beautiful to look at. I paused several times just to soak in the beauty a scene had to offer.

Loved so many scenes, the gorgeous bokeh shots, the beautifully located well with sunlight peeking through the trees, the scene where the boy is dancing on the well and we get to see the trees against the skies, the pristine countryside with the mountains and blue skies, the windmill scene with the reflections where Manya and Ketki say their goodbyes, the scene where Manya repairs the clock with all the knick knacks.

The use of a color theme for the entire movie (blue and Orange), made every scene stand out and a treat to watch!

One scene I absolutely loved was when the entire village is out at night chasing the thief. The flickering street light, the slanting golden light from the houses, the light of the lamps and torches, the scene made me chuckle. It was simply de"light"ful :)

The songs are very refreshing. The Marathi fusion of Für Elise is top notch!

Coming to the story, the protagonist is a village boy with a speech impediment. He becomes reclusive, refuses to talk and becomes a victim of bullying. The silver lining in his life comes in the form of Ketaki, giving him the power of hope. A power that stands above all his fears, crushes his insecurities, makes him realize his strengths and gives him the courage to do extraordinary things. Eventually he accepts himself with all his flaws when he realizes that perfection is a mere illusion.

Subtle comedy, great acting and a strong story, this movie conveys a lot using a minimalistic approach. It leaves you teary eyed and yet leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

For when you doubt your capabilities, you should remember what Manya did. Let's keep this story for that day :)