What Is the Story About?
Bangladeshi film Hawa is a slow burn drama, set entirely aboard a fishing trawler, sailing in the Bay Of Bengal. As the ship sets sail, the all-men crew settles in for the long haul and a good catch of fish. But their time on the ship is turned on its head when they reel in a woman in their fishing net. Will the alluring woman bring bad luck, as fishing lores proclaim?
Hawa is written and directed by Mejbaur Rahman Sumons, and co-written by Sukarna Sahed Dhiman and Zahin Faruq Amin.
Performances?
The performances in Hawa are brilliant across the board. Chanchal Chowdhury is breathtaking as the primary antagonist, Chan Majhi. The chameleon-esque actor turns into a character so menacing and repulsive that you are convinced he is a pirate on the high seas, and by the end of it, all you root for is his downfall. Nazifa Tushi renders an enigmatic portrayal of Gulti, leaving you mesmerised with her sharp, sheer allure. Sariful Islam Razz as Iba, Sumon Anowar as Eja, Nasir Uddin Khan as Naagu, Arfan Mirdha as Shiblu, Rizvi Riju as Parkes, Shohel Mondol as Urkes, lend excellent support to the dark, mystifying narrative.
Analysis
On the surface, Hawa is a slow-burn drama, with a central theme of revenge and elements of fantasy punctuating its plot. But dig deeper, and you find a story with a brutally blunt message at its core. Within its depths, fantasy meets psychological horror, to render a nuanced story of lust, sin and human failings.
The narrative of Hawa is immersive and enthralling, though some might find it too slow for comfort. The world-building is good, as is the way the writers set up the characters of the story. But the most beautiful aspect of the film is its deceptive central theme. The makers lead us to believe that the story is all about crime and vengeance. But the astute viewer instantly knows otherwise – that Hawa is a story that casts a stark spotlight on the inherent evil in human beings — lust, greed and vice — that ultimately leads them to downfall.
Apart from the layered story, Hawa is also that rare film that merges a gripping story with technical brilliance. The film is high on atmospherics – the sound design and visual imagery are top notch. The atmospherics bristle and crackle, creating a world that is highly affecting, elevating the mood, atmosphere and tone of the narrative with startling results. Likewise with the visual imagery. It is stunning, to say the least.
The sea, both in the light of day and the dead of night, is an entity unto itself. The vast blue Bay Of Bengal imbues a relentless undertone of dread to the proceedings. The sea changes colour with the mood of the film. A pristine blue at the start of the journey, it turns an angry ink-blue, as the narrative turns dark and dreary.
The stark isolation of the fishing trawler at sea adds to the feeling of dread with decisive malevolence. The terrific performances of the cast lend sheen to the compelling storyline. A few repetitive sequences mar the viewing experience at times, as do the draggy middle portions. The length of the film is also a bummer – a crisper screenplay would have elevated the film to greater heights.
To sum it up, Hawa is a compelling film from Bangladesh that deserves a viewing. That said, it is not everyone’s cup of tea by any means. If you like slow-burn dramas that take all their time to tell their story, give Hawa a try. However, if fast-paced thrillers are what rock your boat, better to give the film a wide berth.
Music and Other Departments?
The background score of Hawa is perfect – haunting and atmospheric, without being in your face or grating to the ears. The theme song of ‘Sada Sada Kaala Kaala’ grows on you the more you listen to it. Kamrul Hasan Khosru and Tanveer Ahmed Shovon’s cinematography is the outstanding element of Hawa. Each frame has been carefully created, with an exceptional eye for detail, shot structuring, colour grading and composition. Sazal Alok’s editing is fluid and fine.
Highlights?
Brilliant cinematography
Terrific atmospherics
Performances
Technical aspects
Drawbacks?
Repetitive sequences
Draggy middle portions
Too long and stretched
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, but only for those who like slow-burn dramas
Hawa Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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