Hawaizaada Movie Review - Hawaizaada Fails to Fly

FTII Alumni Vibhu Puri’s directorial debut Hawaizaada fails miserably in terms of script, story and performances. It was not more than a melodramatic representation of the life of an unsung hero Shivkar Talpade who made the world's first Aeroplane, years before the Wright Brothers. Even Ayushmann Khurrana is not able to pull off this Marathi act!

It’s a story based in 1890’s India under the British Raj about Shivkar Talpade aka Shivi. After being expelled from school Shivi bumps into local diva Sitara and falls in love with her. Fearing that she will bring shame and disgrace to Shivi, she decides to leave the city. Also, fed up with Shivi’s rebellious and carefree ways, his father shows him the door. Dejected and distraught, Shivi slips into a life of sin and debauchery. But enters Shastry - an eccentric yet genius scientist and Vedic scholar who inspires Shivi to take control of himself and shares with Shivi, his dream of doing the impossible…of making the world’s first aircraft, an interpretation of freedom. Will they both be able to achieve the big dream, whether Shivi will regain his love, is the rest of the story.

The plot was really promising but Hawaizaada failed to lift it up to the expectations. The dialogues were a big big cliched. An overdose of patriotism and a draggy story line in this over-ambitious attempt made for a lethargic combo for the the audience to bear. But technically speaking, the movie is brilliant. Beautiful setting, the sound design by Resul Pookutty was the highlight of the movie along with DOP Savita Singh's efforts.

In a 2 hrs 30 mins long movie, there are way too many stupid Bollywoodish songs which kills the soul of the movie. Also, there is no song which stands out and appeals to the audience.

Ayushmann Khurrana talent is wasted because of the weak script. As a Marathi speaking guy, Ayushmann was average but the character he overdid it. Some nuances which he picks, are more closer to a Charlie Chaplin or a mentally challenged kid than the genius scientist he hopes to portray. Pallavi Sharda needs some serious acting lessons apart from that pretty face of hers. Mithun da is the saving grace of the movie. Rest of the star cast is just average or below it.

In all it’s a good plot wasted and it’s better to skip it. 

Rating: 1.5/5.0