Expectations:
There was a time in our Hindi cinema when most of the period films were anti-Britishers’ type of films. Then there were loads and loads of romantic films, which were
set during the partition era followed by some unusual films like’Lagaan’, ’Special 26’, etc. which were perfect combination of facts and fiction. Though, prior to
’Lagaan’ and’Gaddar’, period films were not favourable at the box office, but with the rise of multiplex era the whole scenario changed and we saw many successful
films being made under this genre. If the concept of such types of films is unique and has been presented in a convincing manner, cine lovers shower their appreciation
in the form of good box office numbers. Ayushmann Khurrana’s latest film’Hawaizaada’ narrates the unique tale of how an Indian had developed the worlds first
aeroplane. The concept and the promo seem interesting and have managed to raise the curiosity level, thus let’s find out whether’Hawaizaada’ will be another good
blend of fact and fiction on the lines of films like’Lagaan’ or might be one among those types of films where there is nothing else to offer besides the unique one
liner concept.
Story:
’Hawaizaada’ is a story about Shivkar Talpade(Ayushmann Khurrana), set in Mumbai 1895. Shivkar meets Pandit Shastry(Mithun Chakraborty), who is trying to make a
flying machine inspired from our Indian mythology. Shivkar starts assisting Pandit Shastry and together they try to achieve the impossiblewith lots of hurdles and
opposition of the British government. What happens next is what the entire film is all about.
Screenplay & Technicalities:
The story is a good blend of facts and fiction, where the fact part is interesting, but the fiction is forced and overdone. The movie begins with lots of goof ups and
dragging scenes, along with almost half a dozen songs packed together. It’s only towards the middle portion the movie seems a little bit interesting, especially when
Ayushmann and Mithun keeps discussing about the planes and mythology followed their talks to Lokmanya Tilak, etc. But once the fact part is over, the movie goes back
on its dragging mode with unwanted songs, drama and romantic scenes. Speaking about the romantic part, the movie does not need this track as it is falt and fake.
Towards the finale part, the’azadi’ track gets forcefully inserted, due to which the whole purpose of the film gets lost. The sets, costume, language, culture,
logistics, etc are so unreal and seems like it has been set in some fictional European country instead of our country. People are shown so liberal that they party
easily, keep using gadgets and perform experiments, go out on a date in a restaurant(without sitting in a family room), stay in a platonic live-in relationship and
many such instances which will confuse you about the era in which the movie is set. The camera work is highly inspired by fantasy based Hollywood films and thus, fails
to go with the flow of the film. The sets and location are unreal and loud at times. Editing was strictly required in the film.
Music & Direction:
There are around nine songs in the film, but unfortunately not even a single song is a chartbuster or a popular song. There are a few good songs, but are badly placed
in the film. Director Vibhu Puri was an assistant director and writer to most of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s films like’Saawariya’, ’Guzaarish’ and many more. Thus, one
could strongly feel the presence of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s over the top use of bold colours. Vibhu ruins a brilliant concept with unwanted songs, dance, romantic part
followed by the dramatic and forced humour. He should have stayed loyal to his theme subject.
Performances:
Ayushmann Khurrana tries his level best to do justice to his role and occasionally succeeds in portraying his part. Pallavi Sharda is the worst thing to happen to this
film. Her track and performances were forced. Mithun Chakraborty was not up to the mark. Jayant Kirplani, Joy Sengupta and Lillete Dubey were fine in their roles.
Final Verdict: Besides the one liner subject, there is nothing else worth mentioning in this film. The movie is dragging, boring and loud at the same time. It’s a big
opportunity loss for cinema lovers and the proud Indians who had to witness a great tale presented in a bad manner. Everything is overdone and will remind you of watching a vintage car with a flat tyre, which is also known as puncture.