Vibhu Puri's 'Hawaizaada' is a highly ambitious, well-made film, but its uneven overall. A look at the life of scientist Shivkar Bapuji Talpade, this period piece is visually appealing, but too many songs & a stretched romantic-track, hit the film hard.
'Hawaizaada' is Based on the life on an Indian scientist Shivkar Bapuji Talpade, who is credited to have constructed India's first unmanned plane is the tale of the hardships that he went through on the journey to discover.
'Hawaizaada' needed to be more about Talpade & his Mentor's genius, rather than being a romantic-story about Talpade & his lady-love. Being a biopic, you except the film to be a detailed take on Talpade's journey about the scientist that he was, not who he romanced. Also, there are too many songs in the film. In fact, the first-hour has a song popping up every 10-minutes.
Vibhu Puri's Screenplay has moments of power, when the film actually talks about Talpade's ambition, but is mostly side-lined by its stilted romantic-track. Less of romance & more of drama would've made 'Hawaizaada' a biopic to reckon with. But sadly, that doesn't happen here!
Vibhu Puri's Direction, however, is stunning. In terms of visuals, 'Hawaizaada' is a beauty. Each & Every Frame has been captured beautifully, there is not a single dull frame in this biopic. The Cinematography is top-class & The Art Design is incredibly accurate. Editing is not sharp at all. The film is lazily paced & a bit too long. The Songs are melodious, but appear forced in the film.
Performance-Wise: Ayushmann Khurrana as Shivkar Bapuji Talpade, delivers a terrific performance. He rises above the faulty script & manages to keep the proceedings alive to a large extend, thanks to his impressive portrayal of the late legend in science. Mithun Chakraborty dominates every scene he appears in. As Ayushmann's eccentric mentor, he's exceptional. Pallavi Sharda as Ayushmann's lady love, looks gorgeous, but is saddled with the film's weakest track, & hence, she doesn't leave a mark.
On the whole, 'Hawaizaada' is made with passion, no doubt, but a stronger script was the need of the day!
