Hawaa Hawaai

"Don't expect cheap thrills from Hawaa Hawaai. It proffers none. But if it is genuine entertainment that you are looking for, your search ends here."

"Hawaa Hawaai is an earnest, important and evocative film. It's a well-textured and etched film, one refreshingly lacking in villains -- even the richest, chubbiest kid isn't a meanie -- and one that heartbreakingly but smilingly illustrates the disparity between the kids shown in the film and the kids who can afford to buy theatre tickets to watch this film."

"A slim story told with heart, Hawaa Hawaai is among those rare films about the hard lives of impoverished kids that's never patronizing. Gupte deftly captures the innocence of children, and gives us some terrific moments that are genuinely moving. The occasional false notes notwithstanding, this is a movie that should be watched. I'm going with three out of five for Hawaa Hawaai. Strap up and zoom."

"While Hawaa Hawaai isn't entirely satisfying, I still recommend that you see it. It is a timely reminder of the intractable horrors that children in this country face on a daily basis."

"Partho is a natural. We saw that in his first film, the heart-warming 'Stanley Ka Dabba'. He's back tugging at our heartstrings, and it's a pleasure to hear a young actor actually speaking his lines with such conviction. 'Hawaa Hawaai' has a big beating heart, but you wish it had been a better film: it trundles on, leaps up intermittently, but doesn't fly."

"Hawaa Hawaii is an extraordinary saga of ordinary lives, the kind we often pass by at traffic signals .Amole Gupte penetrates the heart mind soul and dreams of those unsung lives. This is the most moving film on street kids since Mira Nair's Salaam Bombay. Take a bow, Mr Gupte. This is a not-to-be-missed life-changing experience."

"Hawaa Hawaai is an endearing film for sure. It is also a statement. The film speaks for the director's apparent ease with subjects involving a child. It affirms that writing Taare Zameen Par was not a fluke. And neither was making Stanley ka Dabba. This is one director who knows his emotions. Enjoy this Hawaa Hawaai. Be inspired!"

"HAWAA HAWAAI is refreshing, unique, charming, challenging, uplifting... HAWAA HAWAAI bares its soul! Let your kids take flight this summer, with HAWAA HAWAAI. Take a bow, Amole Gupte... we need more films like these."

"Hawaa Hawaai is the ideal combination of comedy and drama. The movie tackles serious topics in a light-hearted manner. It also has good music and brilliant acting, making it the perfect package."

"The story-telling is fantastic, the acting a wonderful topping, and the music a wonderful final finish to the film. Make sure you watch this one, and it's not just for the kids, it's a must-watch for the adults too."

"As much as I liked the film, there were a few loop holes like the pace of the film. Also in some parts the plot jumps suddenly. Though this isn't really a major problem, more precision would have certainly helped the film quite a lot. To sum it up, Hawaa Hawaai is one of the biggest examples of modern cinema and should have its rightful existence amongst a plethora of big budget films. Watch it for the thought invested in the project if not for anything else."

"The film is not flawless; yes, there are some clichés and some needless pandering to Muslim sentiments reminiscent of the movies of the 1970s. But I am willing to overlook those because this is a film with a heart."

"...a gem that shouldn't be missed. A wonderful creation with heartrending emotions, this one's inspirational and motivating. Strongly recommended!"

"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. Amol Gupte's story is soulful, heart-breaking and hopeful - moving you from tears to deep thought. He skillfully creates a portrait of the lives of deprived children - with profundity and playfulness."

"Hawaa Hawaai runs the risk of being compared to Gupte's previous works but as a standalone it is without doubt one of the most brilliant works of recent times. Subtle and empowering with delectable performances of Saqib & Partho adding power to the film, here's one ultimately satisfying movie that will win you over with its bittersweet and spirited work. I am going with a 3.5/5 recommending that you don't miss this one."

"There's so much goodness, so much warmth and such honesty in Hawaa Hawaai's intentions, it's hard to not have your heart melt. Chances are, the film will also make you want to put on those rolling skates, even though at the risk of landing you hard on your behind or – as Gochi calls it – "naram naram bun pav"."

"It's a film that will touch your heart but it could have been much better had the focus been just the story. Looks like the emphasis is sometimes only on making you feel bad for the subject which, should come naturally and not be so in your face."

"Everyone who cribs that Bollywood doesn't attempt good films, must go see this."

"A few dramatic moments notwithstanding, Haawa Hawaai is eminently worth a watch. Get, set, go!"

"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."

"Hawaa Hawaai is a special film, and there was a need to promote it in a special way. However, there is hardly any buzz about the film. The film is releasing with 5 other Bollywood films this week, so it is hard for it stand out. If you are a lover of simple cinema, go for it. You can also wait for the movie to get TV premier."

"While most of the film is delightful and tugs at your heart, at some points, it seemed like the screenplay has been manipulated to get the audiences' empathy. Not such a bad thing, now only if the effort didn't show. But then a film with the right intention and its heart in the right place shouldn't be missed. Watch this one."

"This is a black-and-white, predictable film; but still watchable for the incredible child actors, the infallible underdog story, and some warm moments."

"Gupte works hard to imbibe collections of moments into his storytelling; the love and conviction for his subject is indisputable. Hawaa Hawaai isn't as compelling as his previous efforts, but still merits a watch for the gratifying culture he has constructed."

"When the story is predictable, a tight script and screenplay needs to take charge. Sadly, it doesn't. The film's undoing is the expectations it rides on. This one fails to be an Amole Gupte film."