Hawaa Hawaai
wogma rating: Watch but no rush (?)
As good as any other inspirational story. Spirited and heart-warming performances make Hawaa Hawaai stand out.
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You have an innocent looking child. He is poor. He has to work hard. And then you see a gleam in his eye for something unreachable. What's there not to like about stories like these? Especially when there are reasonably decent performances. Hawaa Hawaai is yet another story that inspires to reach out for your passion. At the same time, It attempts at sensitizing you to the issues of child labour in Mumbai slums - which is nice, even if a little too in-the-face. It is yet another story that you can watch. The only problem is the words "yet another".
Hawaa Hawaai's story has a very "been there, seen that" feeling about it. The melodrama doesn't help its case. And then it has a preachy undertone, which borderline beats its own purpose. The good thing is, every time it goes into one of these zones, it manages to get back on track pretty quickly. In fact, it even makes some points rather subtly, in contrast to its own style thus far.
The writing is very simple. The story doesn't dig deep into its characters, nor does it even try to create too many ups and downs. In fact, the first down that our protagonist Arjun aka Raju (Partho Gupte) sees came way after I thought, "isn't this all happening too easily for him?"
The beauty is that you don't mind things working out easily for Arjun. His character and situation has been built up such that it'd be wrong of you not to sympathize with his condition instantaneously. Yes, the film is pretty judgmental about its audience. It wants to educate. It wants to sensitize. All very noble, except that it gets patronizing every once in a while.
Fortunately, the combined effort of the actors, doesn't allow the patronizing to become overwhelming. Partho Gupte's earnest performance; Saqib Salim's enthusiastic one; and the knowing irony that the four kids in Arjun's gang bring out together don't allow you to get bogged down with the overt effort to sensitize.
I also found myself intermittently tuning off the lyrics to the songs playing in the background. One, there were way too many of them. Two, the music wasn't too great. Three, the lyrics are predictable.
In any case, will I take my kids to watch this one? Yes, for sure. And hopefully, that will contribute to efforts in inspiring some form of social responsibility in them. That - Hawaa Hawaai might be perfect for.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Subhash K Jha, Apun Ka Choice : ...Amole Gupte understands the mind of a growing children intuitively and naturally. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Prateeksha Khot, Bolly Spice : ...Saqib is pretty decent as the coach who starts out teaching the kids but ends up learning a lot from them.... full review
Thumbs up, by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama : ...Amole directs with a sure eye, while the screenplay [it holds you attentive for most parts] is far removed from frivolity attached to a majority of Hindi movies. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Sarita Tanwar, Bollywood Life : ...a good attempt at a ‘good’ Bollywood film... full review
Thumbs up, by Somesh Sinha, Desi Martini : ...Amole Gupte's story is a tribute to people who dare to dream alongside asking worrying questions about how society flatly and methodically separates rich kids from the poor ones... full review
Thumbs up, by Smita Vyas Kumar, Desi Martini : ...a great vacation watch for kids and adults alike... full review
Thumbs up, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...The perfect blend of emotions and drama... full review
Thumbs up, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...refreshing, unique, charming, challenging & uplifting... full review
Thumbs up, by Rohit Khilnani, india today : ...The film has its moments that will move you to tears.... full review
Thumbs up, Indicine : ... Hawaa Hawaai is a delightful film that takes the viewer through an emotional roller coaster ride without ever exploiting the conditions it showcases.... full review
Thumbs up, by Mohar Basu, koimoi : ...A hard-to-believe climax doesn’t quite fit in with reality but Gupte’s attempt to make this an appeasing outing for the younger section of his cine goers.... full review
Thumbs up, by Sanjukta Sharma, Live Mint : ...Hawaa Hawaai needed some sparseness and quiet, but even with all the noise, you will love Arjun and his friends, and cheer them on. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Shubha Shetty-Saha, MiD DAY : ...But then a film with the right intention and its heart in the right place shouldn’t be missed.... full review
Thumbs up, by Raja Sen, Rediff : ...Drag every kid you care about to Hawaa Hawaai... full review
Thumbs up, by Anuj Kumar, The Hindu : ...No hawaa, all substance... full review
Thumbs up, by Sudhish Kamath, The Hindu : ...This underdog sports film rises above the template to win hearts. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Madhureeta Mukherjee, Times of India : ...HH's inspiring story is for children, for the child in all of us and for adults who need to wake up to dream again.... full review
Thumbs up, by Rummana Ahmed, yahoo! India : ...The build-up to the climax is brilliantly accomplished. It’s a rare feat that very few Bollywood sports films manage to achieve ... full review
So-So, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ... 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... full review
So-So, Daily Bhaskar : ... If you are a lover of simple cinema, go for it. You can also wait for the movie to get TV premier.... full review
So-So, by Aneela Zeb Babar, Desi Martini : ...I will forgive the makers of this film for their over the top sentimentality as their lovable gang of "children who work" provided me with a Amar (Bhagwan Se Prathna), Akbar (Bismillah at the shrine) and Atheist (Meh I Dont Want to Do Prathna) moment.... full review
So-So, by Anupama Chopra, Hindustan Times : ...So while Hawaa Hawaai isn’t entirely satisfying, I still recommend that you see it.... full review
So-So, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...A slim story told with heart, Hawaa Hawaai is among those rare films about the hard lives of impoverished kids that's never patronizing... full review
So-So, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...This is the kind of film where we know the outcome from the first frame... full review
So-So, by Rahul Desai, Mumbai Mirror : ...Hawaa Hawaai isn't as compelling as his previous efforts, but still merits a watch for the gratifying culture he has constructed. ... full review
So-So, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...Partho Gupte is effortlessly superb as Arjun. He brings the self-assuredness, maturity and goodness of Arjun beautifully.... full review
Thumbs down, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...But some clichés are there for a reason, and Gupte unwisely steers clear of these as well. There’s a reason these films have those bonding scenes between coach and pupil – here, there’s nothing.... full review
Thumbs down, by Deepa Gahlot, cinemaah : ...Of course, there is no doubt that Arjun will win, but by the time he does, there is so much melodrama thrown in, that you count the minutes for the film to end. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...Fails to impress... full review
Thumbs down, by Namrata Joshi, Outlook India : ...left me cold by its sheer virtue... full review
zs_zaheer: Hawaa hawaai...fantabulous creation hats off amol gupte n parto
YourMomsBiryani: Hawaa Hawaai was such a brilliant movie man. @Saqibsaleem was too good and man the dialogues of this was superb!
YashRJain58: Hawaa Hawaai is one good movie you should watch! @Saqibsaleem you were great :-)
yashitayashpal: Hawaa Hawaai... Quality cinema!
woodian: Just watched Hawaa Hawaai ... the movie simply rocks. Brilliant acting by all.
Whatsonmamind: Hawa Hawai..one of the most inspiring movies I have watched recently..kudos to Amol Gupte for his direction!#hawahawaii
vinayth: I give 4 stars to Hawaa Hawaai.. Partho Gupte and his bunch of friends were outstanding. Poor screenplay though.. Better than sallu flicks..
UJJWALSHETTY92: hawa hawai I will give it 4.5 . The kids are so poor but there heart is so big that a rich guy would also be jealous of them #AmoleGupte
tomtrdg: Hawa Hawai is really a good movie. Highly recommendation to watch.
TheChiraggohil: Hawaa hawaai is nice movie go and watch it.
Tanweeer: Hawa Hawai kaafi achi lagi, kuch jagah gadbad thi per good things make up for it. Sablog dekho.
tanishadesai26: Just saw Hawa Hawai It's just BRILLIANT Amazing work by @Saqibsaleem and Partho.Feel so good to see someone from your school perform so well
sumeetkhemka: Hawaa Hawaai - an Amazing Movie. Saqib Saleem, you are Super Brilliant. Hats off
subhojit_g: Try to spend two important hours of your life. Watch Hawa Hawai. The film has altruism at its heart. #movie
standure: Hawaa Hawaai...imperfct film but leaves some indelible impressions..with flaws but also enough spots to tug at heart strings..
slyandsulk: Another gem from someone I've had pleasure of knowing, Amol Gupte, is out. Go see hawa hawai. benchmark film.
SinghVts: Hats off to the "hawa-hawaai" team! Awesome movie! And moreover- My hanky got wet!
shaileshkapoor: Hawaa Hawaai is a fine film. Take its time to find its wings, but then flies high. Champion performances by all kids.
saumyaa_parsh8: Anmol Gupte's Hawa Hawai is a true and priceless masterpiece.
SanshaCornelio: Hawa Hawaai. For all those Unconventional cinema lovers. Get teary-eyed and then gleam with happiness all in a span of 2 hours. Beautiful<3
Sangeeta_ghosh1: Hawaa hawaai ... Warm .. Amusing.. Inspiring ..lovely for family viewing ..take the kids ..Today !! And have a happy Mother's Day !! :) :)
sailakumar: Hawaa hawaai awesome movie to watch.... Everybody has to watch and children are must....
sachinchatte: The film plays heavily on your lachrymal glands and it is eminently worth a watch, my review of Hawaa Hawaai - http://sachinchatte.blogspot.in/2014/05/film-review-hawaa-hawaai.html
Reckoning_Harsh: Movie Review-Hawaa Hawaai: Stunning,Brilliant and Inspirational - Indian Nerve http://indiannerve.com/movie-review-hawaa-hawaai-stunningbrilliant-and-inspirational-15324/
RajjatBarjatya: Hawaa Hawaai is a little gem. Simple story of an underdog who achieves his dream hits home. Wish it was shorter. Must watch for Partho.
raj_iyer5: If u dream high then you need to put your heart into it to achieve it. Thats what Hawaa Hawaai is all about. Must watch film. 4 stars
prernao2: Hawa Hawai is nice film,schools shud take kids to watch them,can help in a small way in discouraging jaanta nahin mera baap kaun hai culture
patelpriyank: Hawaa Hawaai #movie Review : A Movie Every #entrepreneur Should Watch http://www.nextbigwhat.com/hawaa-hawaai-movie-review-297/?utm_content=buffer73984&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer #passion #bootstrapping #achievers #sports
NinoyV: Moving and inspiring movies this weekend. Million Dollar Arm and Hawaa Hawaai. Go watch them will leave u motivated. Enjoy the movies
Nikhil_Rams: Hawaa Hawaai is a must watch for every parent and child. Amole Gupte proves yet again that no one can make a kids film better than him
ndcnn: Hawa HawaI is the sort of film schools will take kids to watch. Full of right values. Ok, I admit felt a twinge of middle class discomfort
Muusic_loverr: Hawa Hawai! Makes ur heart happy kinda film! @Saqibsaleem I just couldn't take my eyes off u! Soo adorable! #GoodWatch
MumMeLicious: 'Hawaa Hawaai' touched me. it tugged at my heart. It made me cry. Saqib Saleem so earnest n handsome. Partho n d kids so innocently cute :)
MrGorantla: Amole Gupte You will make India Proud one Day. Hawaa Hawaai. Loved IT.
movierp: Review: Hawaa hawaai: Hawaa hawaai is entertaining, utterly sweet and inspirational.http://bit.ly/HawaaHawaaiReviewmrp #HawaaHawaai #moviereview
MitraGadhvi: Hawaa Hawaai Is Superb... Don't Miss It...
MissKhushiSen: Must must must must watch Million Dollar Arm & Hawaa Hawaai. We laughed, we cried. Completely worth it.
MenInBlueDvotee: Saw "Hawaa Hawaai" this morning. What a movie! Must say Amol Gupte has redefined meaningful cinema yet again, loved it truly!
MeNIHALKDALWAI: Hawaa hawaai.... Amazing movie.. Loved it
madhukarpandey: Hawa Hawai is mind blowing. Simple & predictable, yet so awesome. Amol, you are a gem I knew already, but your... https://www.facebook.com/reachmadhukarpandey/posts/10203150194369735
MadCow_AG: Hawa Hawai - what an amazing film!!
luggagedeal: Movie Review-Hawaa Hawaai: Stunning,Brilliant and Inspirational: There are two kinds of kids who head out earl... http://t.co/cbV86hj3kA
lovesurbanyogi: Hawa Hawai a must watch!
LopamudraaDaas: 'Hawa Hawai' is a gd movie,bt d last part ws similar wd Bhag milkha..runnin n rememberin father's death..Partho Gupteis d wonder kid :)
LonelyFanBoy: Hawa Hawai is one solid emotional film perfectly depicting bittersweet life w/o being melodramatic bt some sidecharacters do lack the punch.
lipiks: #hawaa hawai is magical .. Kudos to Parthi , Saqeeb and cmplete crew fr such fab moments . Loved it.
kunaljp: Hawaa Hawaai: Hats off to Amol Gupte for making a feel-good movie on skating. And to the casting director for getting all characters right
KRUTIKABUDHANI: You have to watch Hawaa Hawaai, superb film. After Stanley ka Dabba, this is it!!
kings04470544: Hawaa hawai film very nice
journokaran: Watched Hawaa Hawaai... must watch for kids... listening parents ? #HawaaHawaai #amolegupte #parthogupte
jiturai5: heyy guys plz go n watch hawaa hawaai !!!!
itsmedattu: One of the best movies I had ever watched,Hawaa Hawaai,the story of Arjun Harishchandra waghmare.
idrrajdeep: It is manipulative & melodramatic at parts.But the inherent honesty made Hawaa Hawaai a film with a big heart.A nice feel-good experience.
Hiteshp98316045: Hawa hawai is superb movie
HemantNitsure: HAWA HAWAI is a MUST watch. Sad only 1/3rd seats are filled in theater :(
hemangjshah: Saw Hawa Hawai. Super film. Amole Gupte has an awesome ability to make good movies with children at the focus. Highly recommend it!
gambhirshranya: Hawaa Hawai is simply fantastic! Go watch it now! This one can't be missed. @Saqibsaleem @humasqureshi. The entire cast is outstanding!!
EtTuSahu: Hawa hawai is a really nice movie. Amol Gupte made it a bit commercial but lovely movie nonetheless. Must Watch!
DrBboyRx: Hawa hawai, a feel good movie. Must watch.
DeepaChaudhuri: Hawa Hawaai. Go watch it. Take your kid (s) too
debjitghosh007: Hawaa Hawaai is an underdog story crafted and executed gleefully....must watch #HawaaHawaai
Chitrarthsharma: #Hawaa_Hawaai an awesome & touching story of a boy who works at a tea stall & makes a total of 45 rupees per day.... https://www.facebook.com/chitrarth.sharma1/posts/624390980984339
brajkishoredas: Saw hawa hawai Once again amole gupte proved that why he is one of my favorite director... Taare zameen par,... https://www.facebook.com/BKDphotography/posts/632898760119803
balampraveen: HAPPY #WEEKEND DONT MISS MOVIE #Hawaa Hawaai ON SPORTS BY KIDs BEST IN TIMES :) :)
ashishrathi19: HAWA HAWAI movie... simple yet superb. two hours utilized.
aseem_arora: Hawaa Hawaai is so good that I needed mutton and lager after it to keep the night perfect. Isse kehte hai direction!
arjunramb: HawA Hawai a very inspiring movie !! Truly enjoyed it
arifkhan7: Hawa Hawai is an exceptionally well made sports based movie, reminds you of Chak De India in certain scenes with the same feeling of pride.
anurag_jhalaria: Hawa Hawai: A simple movie made with great determination. Amol Gupte is a genius and his son Parthi is a sheer talent. Go & get motivated!!
ANKSHI: MUVIE REVIEW: HAWAA HAWAAI.A DECENT STORY MOVING AT A STEADY PACE.DIRECTOR HAS BROUGHT BEST FROM AL D ACTORS N CHILD ARTISTS.....
akt18113: Hawaa Hawaai a lovely movie! Must watch!!!!
abhishe88493798: U most watch hawa hawai.....simply wonderful......
abhaykumat: Hawaa Hawaai What a brilliant film.
Varsha1901: Hawa Hawaai's first half was fantastic but second half was slow. Gupte packed in all the melodrama formula possible!The kids were brilliant.
Bhaskar8883: central roles dont hv effective dialogues. Hawaa hawai needed better scripting/dialogues. Other kids rock & have most funny punch lines
WorldNewsPub: Movie Review Hawaa Hawaai: Wish it had been a better film: Movie review: Hawaa Hawaai is random and loose Star Cast… http://t.co/tOrhJ9xzph
PiyushK11: Hawa Hawai : Nice subject, but this time Amol Gupte flawed - stereotyped father-death sequence was unpleasant. Though Partho, kids rocks!!
Boeing0777: This Hawa Hawai is super boring !
aishasharma25: Also saw hawa hawai ..partho Gupte is quite good and his coach the biggest eye sore about the film ...!! All in all overhyped ..
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
Parental Guidance:
- Violence: None.
- Language: Mostly clean. A couple of abusive words used.
- Nudity & Sexual content: None.
- Concept: Passion and perseverance can take you a long way.
- General Look and Feel: Has a light yet dramatic mood.
![[Facebook page of Hawaa Hawaai]](/static/images/icons/facebook_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Twitter account of Hawaa Hawaai]](/static/images/icons/twitter_small.png){kind=icon}
![[YouTube channel of Hawaa Hawaai]](/static/images/icons/youtube_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Wikipedia page of Hawaa Hawaai]](/static/images/icons/wiki_small.png){kind=icon}
![[IMDB Page of Hawaa Hawaai]](/static/images/icons/imdb_small.png){kind=icon}
Comments (6)
The question is - Will this film make money? As, such films need to.
Even though we keep praising films which don't ride on the "RICH & FAMOUS" actors/directors/producers and are well-attempted, or even, at times, well-made, it still remains a fact that "BOGUS & MINDLESS" films led by Bollywood stars (read ShaRK, SalaMAN) keep joining the 100/200/500-crore club. Such a shame!!
Hi Meetu!I am from Bangladesh. I am biiiiiiig fan of yours. I have been following wogma for years. I am looking forward for your review on the upcoming movie 'children of war' which is based on 1971. haven't found the movie's name under wogma's 'coming soon' list. Aren't you gonna review this?
@moviebhakt Well, it is what it is. I am just glad that the films are being made.
@wogmafan Hey! I couldn't watch the film for various reasons, but Pradeep did and he reviewed it here - http://wogma.com/movie/children-war-review/
Thanks!
Yet another sincere heartwarming attempt from Amol Gupte and son after Stanley ka Dabba.
I whole heartedly recommend it to all the hindi film fanatics.
Direction: 1.5
Story: 0.5
Lead Actors: 3.5
Character Artists: 0.5
Dialogues: 1.5
Screenplay: 0.5
Music Director: 1
Lyrics: 0.5
@Fan :D
@Suman oh come on, it wasn't that bad. :D
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