We saw El Hawa Sultan, and it’s safe to say, this isn’t your average rom-com! Going in, we expected a light, funny romance, but what we got was so much more.

With Menna Shalaby and Ahmed Dawoud at the helm, the film dives into the ups and downs of love, friendship, and family in a way that feels real and wonderfully relatable.

Plus, let’s admit it, we were pleasantly surprised—especially by Ahmed Dawoud, who wasn’t exactly everyone’s first choice for a romantic lead but ended up sweeping us off our feet.

Directed by the talented Heba Yousry, known for her heartfelt series Sabe’ Gar, El Hawa Sultan delivers laughs, tears, and everything in between.

So if you’re ready for a rom-com with some serious depth, buckle up and join us as we dive into the highs, the lows, and all the feels this movie has to offer!

So, is it worth the watch? Let’s find out!

Not Just Another Rom-Com – El Hawa Sultan Goes Deeper!

Rom-coms aren’t exactly a go-to genre in Egypt. For years, we’ve seen attempts at romance on screen that often miss the mark, either feeling forced or falling into the trap of clichés.

So, when El Hawa Sultan was announced, many were skeptical.

The fear was that it would be just another attempt to make romance “real” that would ultimately fall flat, or worse, turn out to be cringe-worthy. But here’s the twist: it didn’t.

Instead, we got something surprisingly fresh. The chemistry between Menna Shalaby and Ahmed Dawoud felt natural, not forced; their characters were relatable, not perfect.

Rather than delivering a predictable romance, the film brought us into the complex, messy, and sometimes awkward reality of love and relationships.

We walked away from the film feeling like we’d witnessed something we didn’t even know we were missing: a truly heartfelt love story with real stakes and real emotions.

El Hawa Sultan doesn’t just surprise you—it shows that romance can be both authentic and entertaining, without relying on the usual crutches.

Chemistry That Sizzles – Menna Shalaby and Ahmed Dawoud Shine

Menna Shalaby as Sara and Ahmed Dawoud as her on-screen partner are a captivating duo, with a chemistry that brings life and warmth to each scene.

Initially, many might have questioned whether Dawoud could pull off a romantic lead, but his performance is nothing short of impressive.

Known for his intensity in more dramatic roles, Dawoud brings a surprising vulnerability and warmth to his character, winning over skeptics with an authentic portrayal of love and friendship.

Menna Shalaby, as always, is equally compelling, bringing out the best in her character and giving us a duo we’re truly rooting for.

Real Talk – Natural Dialogue and Relatable Characters

One of the most refreshing aspects of El Hawa Sultan is the natural, realistic dialogue. The conversations are free from forced humor or exaggerated emotions, allowing for authentic moments that feel like genuine interactions.

Heba Yousry’s direction here is skillful, giving actors the freedom to let their emotions shine without overacting.

The dialogue is grounded and true-to-life, pulling the audience closer to the characters and their individual journeys.

Family Ties – Complex, Heartfelt, and So Real

Beyond romance, El Hawa Sultan digs into family dynamics, capturing the beauty and challenges of family life. The complex layers of family relationships feel real and hit close to home.

The complexity of how family affects our lives and our perception in seeing the world as well as our relationships with others is navigated in the most beautiful and raw way.

Almost Perfect – Act III Could Use a Little More Pace

If there’s one critique, it’s that Act III could have moved a bit faster. By then, we get the gist of the story, and a quicker wrap-up might have kept the energy flowing.

But honestly, that’s a minor hiccup in an otherwise excellent film.

Final Verdict:

El Hawa Sultan is the kind of rom-com we need more of – real, relatable, and with just the right amount of depth. With its heartfelt performances, humor, and exploration of life’s everyday complexities, this movie is a winner for anyone craving a story that’s both touching and true.