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Hawaa Hawaai backdrop

Hawaa Hawaai

9 May 2014Hindi2h
out of 10
Recommendedmost critics liked it
Monk Score · 25 scored reviews · 6 not rated

Gupte's warm, sincere ode to street kids wins on heart and child performances.

Verdict tier Recommended, most critics liked it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: child performances and direction
  • Criticised: predictable melodramatic screenplay

Audience

User score 6.8 out of 10 from 4 ratings, not enough ratings for a verdict yet

Not streaming in India

Critic consensus

What 29 critics are saying

Critical reception for Hawaa Hawaai is largely positive, with most reviewers recommending the film for its sincere, emotionally resonant portrayal of underprivileged children and Amole Gupte's assured direction. Critics frequently praised the warmth and authenticity of the child performances, particularly Partho, and the film's non-patronizing, socially conscious handling of its subject matter. The most common criticism was that the screenplay leans on melodrama and a predictable underdog structure, with several reviewers noting that the emotional manipulation occasionally shows and that the film does not match the restraint of Gupte's earlier work Stanley Ka Dabba. A handful of critics found the pacing uneven and the plot prone to abrupt jumps, though these were generally not considered dealbreakers.

How the 25 scores spread

6 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 29 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (31)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    NDTV

    Film review ·

    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.
  2. Top critic

    Rediff

    Film review ·

    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.
  3. Top critic

    Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    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.
  4. Top critic

    IBNLive

    Film review ·

    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.
  5. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    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.
  6. SKJBollywoodNews

    Film review ·

    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.
  7. Bollywood Life

    Film review ·

    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.
  8. BookMyShow

    Film review ·

    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.
  9. Glamsham

    Film review ·

    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.
  10. India Today

    Film review ·

    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.
  11. NowRunning

    Film review ·

    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!
  12. Yahoo

    Film review ·

    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.
  13. Bollywood Hungama

    Film review ·

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

    Film review ·

    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.
  15. KoiMoi

    Film review ·

    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.
  16. TimeOut

    Film review ·

    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".
  17. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    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.
  18. Daily Bhaskar

    Film review ·

    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.

Credits

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Cast

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