El Hawa Sultan, starring the beloved Menna Shalaby and Ahmed Dawood, took cinemas by storm, claiming the box office on its premiering day with almost a million in revenue. El Hawa Sultan, as a rom-com with an authentic edge, this new release has struck a chord with audiences through its lighthearted, genuine exploration of friendship and the delicate boundaries that often blur between platonic bonds and romantic desire.
Here’s an in-depth review of this latest success, exploring why El Hawa Sultan is making waves:
A Unique Storyline
The plot of El Hawa Sultan unfolds around a close friendship between two people. The light romantic comedy paints an intimate picture of how friendship can transform under the influence of love. The film deviates from typical romance tropes, focusing instead on the characters’ gradual emotional journey. This character-driven narrative allows viewers to delve into their development and shifting dynamics, showing how relationships can evolve in natural yet unpredictable ways.
What makes this storyline particularly refreshing is its focus on situationships, that liminal space between friendship and romance that feels honest and relatable. It’s a concept rarely explored in cinema and provides audiences with an intriguing perspective on relationships that defy clear definitions.
Cast & Crew
The film brings together an impressive ensemble cast, with Menna Shalaby and Ahmed Dawood leading, supported by actors such as Ahmed Khaled Saleh, Sawsan Badr, and Gihan El-Shamashergy. Their chemistry breathes life into the storyline, with Menna and Dawood’s performances praised for their spontaneity and genuine connection. Both stars successfully embody their roles in a way that feels unforced, almost as if viewers are witnessing real-life interactions rather than staged performances.
Smaller roles from talented actors like Fadwa Abed, Noureen Abu Saada, and Khaled Kamal receive limited screen time. This becomes particularly noticeable towards the film’s conclusion, where their sudden absence is felt in scenes where their presence would have been natural. Additionally, the friendship dynamic raises questions, particularly the age gap with Noureen Abu Saada’s character, who appears significantly younger than her friends, leading to a sense of disconnect.
Pacing and Cinematic Flow
El Hawa Sultan strikes a balance between a fast-paced storyline and a leisurely pace in individual scenes, giving audiences time to absorb the emotions delivered by the characters. However, at nearly two hours, the film does feel slightly overstretched. A more concise runtime might have tightened the narrative while preserving the film’s heart and soul.
Despite this, the pacing allows the audience to fully appreciate the evolving friendship, with plenty of moments to reflect on their unspoken emotions and lingering gazes. The relaxed tempo reflects the subtleties of an undefined relationship, an interesting choice that encourages viewers to interpret each character’s subtle shifts in expression and tone.
Directorial Triumph
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Director Heba Youssry, renowned for her work on Sabe3 Gar, brings her unique touch by emphasising authenticity and delivering a film that doesn’t rely on exaggerated romance or overly scripted exchanges. Her approach captures the everyday quirks and spontaneous charm of real-life relationships that it feels like you’re observing a close friend’s story unfold rather than watching actors go through a script.
Musical Beautifully Integrated
Music in El Hawa Sultan plays a subtle but meaningful role. Rather than leaning into traditional musical conventions, the film includes popular songs and anthems that characters sing along to as part of their daily routines. Songs from iconic artists appear naturally within scenes, blending into the characters’ everyday lives. Additionally, Bahaa Sultan’s original song for the film is a standout piece, capturing the essence of the storyline in a heartfelt manner that resonates long after the credits roll.
However, some choices were questioned, such as the use of Sherine Abdel Wahab’s El Meraya from the hit 2009 movie Asef 3al Ez3ag during a pivotal, heartbreaking scene. While the song is beloved, the moment might have benefitted from an originally written tune instead.
The Return of Rom-coms
Egyptian cinema has long been celebrated for its dramas and thrillers, yet the rom-com genre has often been underserved. El Hawa Sultan marks a refreshing return to romantic comedies, bringing a touch of humour and romance that is honest and contemporary without descending into predictability. This film doesn’t shy away from the complexities of relationships, yet it presents them with a lighthearted, genuine touch that makes the story enjoyable and memorable.
A Heartwarming Success
El Hawa Sultan is a delightful addition that resonates with audiences for its sincere portrayal of friendship and love. The film’s success at the box office reflects its broad appeal and the talented cast. Despite minor critiques, such as the length, the film’s authenticity and heartfelt narrative have positioned it as a strong player in the rom-com resurgence.
