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Forthcoming big-screen release Hawaizaada is set to inspire a new generation of filmgoers in a tale of unwavering daring, ingenuity and glory. Releasing internationally in cinemas on 30th January 2015 by Reliance Entertainment, Hawaizaada celebrates the Indian spirit of adventure and invention as well as the country’s prolific freedom struggle, as it unfolds the story of one man’s dreams and aspirations amidst considerable adversity.
Hawaizaada is the story of Shivkar Bapuji Talpade, an unsung hero, a vedic scholar and an expert on Sanskrit literature. He is regarded as the great Indian scholar who not only sketched out but also built the first ever airplane in 1895, eight years before the Wright Brothers, the American duo who were originally credited for being pioneers in the field of aviation. Shivkar Bapuji Talpade airplane was the first ever controlled, powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight. Though his effort failed, his work and research was never given its fair share of recognition or even mention. By way of this film, audiences will truly come to understand his genius.
Inspired by true events, Hawaizaada has been masterfully brought to the big screen by renowned scriptwriting-duo Vibhu Puri and Saurabh R Bhave, whose previous critically acclaimed writing credits include Saawariya and Guzaarish. Vibhu also makes his directorial debut and masterfully brings to life all the vibrancy, old-world charm and emotion of the narrative in a thrilling cinematic experience for the whole family.
Check out what Director Vibhu Puri had to say about the film!
Q: As a new director, what was it like working on a film like Hawaizaada?
A: It was great! Of course sometimes it was as hard as creating the first aircraft, but I was honoured to be offered the opportunity and I hope the audience enjoys it as much as I did!
Q: We heard, you did a lot of research for the movie as not much has been written about Talpade is it true?
A: Yes it’s true! I did an extensive research as I wanted to gather maximum information about the scientist to give a realistic feel to the movie. I got in touch with some of his family members to get to know the man better. I also visited the research institute in Pune which holds a proof that scientist Shivkar Talpade actually flew an aircraft in chowpatty in 1895.
Q: What made you create another historic movie just after the ‘Chenab Gandhi’ project fell apart?
A: When my dream project ‘Chenab Gandhi’ fell apart, I felt totally shattered. Many friends from our film fraternity advised me to work on soft movies as they score well at the box office these days. But such movies don’t interest me at all. I always wanted to make movies which would touch people’s heart and make a difference to their lives so; I decided to go back in time to recreate the life of a man who flew the first plane in India.
Q: What motivated you to choose Bapuji Talpade as a subject for your biographical movie as against other famous Indian historical personalities?
A: The very reason that not much has been written about the scientist Bapuji Talpade inspired me to tell his life story to the audience. I can say Talpade was a dreamer just like us. He taught us to try our best in life and never give up. I find his life journey truly inspirational and I am confident the audience will like him too.
Q: Was it very difficult to find a right location to recreate the 19th century Mumbai?
A: The hunt for the right location for the movie took a lot of our time. It seemed impossible to find a place to recreate second half of 19th century in present day Mumbai. We went all the way to Darjeeling, Kolkata, Oooty, Kalinpong, and many parts of Gujarat until we found Gondol, a little town in Gujarat where my art directors Amit Roy and Subrato Chakraborty built a Mumbai that existed when Bapuji Talpade dreamt his amazing dream.
Q: Where you skeptical while casting the upcoming actor Ayushmann Khurrana to play the role of the 19th century scientist?
A: I saw my Bapuji Talpade in Ayushmann. I was adamant on my decision though everyone around me kept saying he is too cool to play a 19th century scientist. Now, I can take pride in saying that I have proved them all wrong. And the credit goes to the actor for his sheer dedication and commitment to the script & the role. Ayushmann worked hard to completely transform his lifestyle, body language and speech pattern. He has taken Marathi lessons from our Maharashtrian scriptwriter.
Q: What made you change the movie name from Bambai fairytale to Hawaizaada?
A: Bambai Fairytale was always the working title but as the film progressed, I thought that Hawaizaada was apt for it.
Hawaizaada is set to be the New Year’s must-see, feel-good film, packed with aspiration and adventure.
Hawaizaada will release internationally on 30th January 2015 through Reliance Entertainment.
