Review: Kadwi Hawa

Seasons are becoming homeless,

Gulzar, Film "Kadvi Hawa"

Review by William Pervez

Climate change is a reality that is reshaping our world. Temperature and long-term climatic changes, primarily the result of human activities since the 1800s, are having profound effects on the Earth. Increasing pollution from fossil fuels, the rise in greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, are causing global warming.

The film "Kadvi Hawa" addresses this issue, directed by Nila Madhab Panda, who previously directed films like "I Am Kalam," "Jalpari," and "Kaun Kitne Paani Mein," along with more than sixty documentaries. As the backdrop shifts from seven brothers in one village, to just two villages on the map due to climate change, "Kadvi Hawa" reflects personal bitter experiences.

The role of Sanjay Mishra in "Hedu" is noteworthy, and it can be said that this is one of Sanjay Mishra's best performances. The depth he brings to the blind elderly character is commendable. For those interested in acting, this film is a must-watch, as it exemplifies method acting. Another prominent character in the film is Ranvir Shorey's "Gulu Babu," who portrays a bank representative with finesse. Though the film has five lead characters, besides these two, others had very little margin for acting. However, the performance of the young girl is commendable.

The film tells a story revolving around a village where the land has turned barren due to climate change, and farmers are unable to repay the bank loan. When pressure from the bank's representative mounts on the farmers to repay the loan, they resort to suicide. If a man doesn't return home after nine in the night in the village, it is assumed he has committed suicide. The next generation is also deeply affected by climate change. When children are asked in school how many seasons there are, they only mention two: summer and winter.

"Hedu," who is a blind person and whose young son has also taken a loan from the bank, is unable to repay the interest. He is worried that his son might commit suicide. The bank representative, Gulu Babu, approaches the farmers for loan repayment, but most of the farmers are not found in the village. Hedu requests Gulu Babu to forgive his son's loan, and Gulu Babu assists the farmers.

The film presents both droughts and floods, showcasing the impacts of both types of climatic changes. When Hedu's village is dried up, floods hit the city, and his family is unaware despite repeated calls.

Like the rest of the world, Pakistan is also vulnerable to these climatic changes. Every year, untimely rains damage crops in wheat fields. Moreover, glaciers are melting rapidly, posing a threat to water reserves. On this subject, Gulzar has written a beautiful poem, "Seasons are becoming homeless."

This film was released in 2017 and received numerous awards worldwide, including the National Award in India.