Bawarchi (1972)

Hrishikesh Mukherjee one of the best directors of bollywood, whose films were known for their simplicity yet superb stories and entertainment packed. He was one filmmaker who cast big stars but gave them simple unlike their persona characters mostly After the classic ANAND(1971) Hrishikesh returned with the then superstar Rajesh Khanna creating yet another classic BAWARCHI which was based on a Bengali film Galpa Holeo Satyi (1966) by Tapan Sinha. The film starts with no title cards but with a voice-over by Amitabh Bachchan who was that time struggling as an actor, He introduces all characters something recently Jaya did in PAA alongwith title cards. We are introduced to the family of Jaya Bachchan which is unlike it's name Shanti Niketan where there are family disputes.etc and no servant stays David Dhawan almost copied this film and made Hero No.1(1997) decades later but lacked the master touch of Hrishikesh. Rajesh Khanna enters as a cook but suspicion is created by the filmmaker and also family members that he is a thief and he constantly(for reason not explained) stares at the sandook when no one is around The film has several funny scenes like the way Rajesh Khanna fakes about himself that he has worked in so many big name's houses(again copied in Hero No.1) The film also has some moist-eyed scenes a must in those days, the comed is subtle mostly and more focus on characters, dialogues and all within the plot something missing nowdays. Songs are aptly placed and picturised very simplistically yet superb The story moves well and the film keeps you entertained throughout. The pre-climax does jolt you but the mystery is solved quickly leaving some answers unanswered but it's forgiven and all ends well Direction By HM is awesome, He took a big risk by portraying RK unlike his films those days, He doesn't even have a heroine(though he didn't have one in ANAND too) nor does he have his usual Kishore songs. Music is superb, The best song is Tum Bin Jeevan sung superbly by Manna Dey while the dance number is superb too, Bhor Aa Hi Gaya is superb too with Kishore suddenly breaking in a jig for Asrani. Dialogues are superb, the film does have digs on some popular film personalities, like Asrani is shown as assistant to LP while many film personalities names are thrown aroundRajesh Khanna just like ANAND endears himself superbly and plays to the gallery, The Superstar of early 70s does a brilliant job portraying his character with simplicity and yet endearing to the audience. Jaya Bachchan is superb, acting in HM film after GUDDI(1971) she does a great job AK Hangal is superb, Usha Kiran and Durgha Khote act well in their roles Kali Banerjee is superb too, except AK Hangal the other 3 actors are no more Harindranath Chattopadhyay as the father is theatrical but fun Asrani is superb as the assistant music director Paintal is funny Amitabh's voice-over is superb

No other actor at the peak of his career could have tried to do Bawarchie. It is a character which is non glamorous, no action, no romance but yet it was the ability of Super Star Rajesh Khanna that he put up such a sterling performance which will be remembered forever. This Hrishikesh Mukherjee movie suffers from average music but the character of Rajesh Khanna pulls the movie through and the audience comes out thinking.It is a must see for all movie goers as it is a masterpiece. Rajesh Khanna is excellent in the central character and is ably supported by other cast members - Jaya Bachchan,A k Hangal and others. It is inspired by an old Bengali hit and the spirit of Bawarchie continues to live and a no of movies have been made based on similar stories. However, it is a movie of joint families- which hardly exists in today's world. A must see

If you have low tolerance for Bollywood, and you think Bollywood is just all about cheesy, loud and lewd movies, than it means that you are not aware of the rare gems the Indian film industry has produced in the last 50 something years. And this film is one of such gems. I haven't seen, "Anand" the most popular film of Rishida, but I have seen Bawaichi 3 times and every time it leaves me with the sad reality that how come the Western world has not discovered movies like this. The film revolves around the relationship of a family and their new cook, played superbly by Rajesh Khanna. I don't want to go much into the details of the story of the film and cinamatic mastery of Rishida, but in short this film could be described as excellent in every aspect. If you are a fan of Indian 'art' films, than this a must see for you!

This is a truly classic Indian film, and a fitting showcase to the substantial talents of it director, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, who shows how a masterpiece can be produced on a small budget.Shot almost exclusively inside the Sharma household, this film explores the tensions and rivalries within the Sharma family, and how their domestic problems quite literally bring them to their knees. Into this house of discontent steps a man with answers to their problems and a lot more. How can a cook be so smart? What is his agenda? Who is this man? The acting in a very strong cast is first class, and without weakness. Rajesh Khanna steals the show though with a brilliant, amusing lead role as the loquacious Bawarchi. At that time (1972) he was the darling of the Indian cinema and women wrote letters in their own blood to him, such was his appeal, and this film showcases his immense talent. Rajesh Khanna's performance is one of great depth: his facial expressions, delivery and mannerisms are skilfully never overplayed, none more so than when he utters in English "It is simple to be happy, but it is difficult to be simple". Whether it be a comic or serious sad scene, Jaya Badhuri, as Krishna, perfectly conveys the uncertainties of a complex, sensitive young woman and captures her emotions beautifully to show just what a fine actress she is. A.K.Hangal amuses as the kindly Uncle who likes a quiet tipple and makes a fine double act with his screen brother. Harendranath Chatopadhay's performance as grandfather is authentic and very enjoyable. All this is underpinned with strong direction, and creative screenplay: the beautifully crafted entry of the Bawarchi through the morning mist into the chaotic proceedings being a personal highlight. Overall the delivery of the Gulzar's punchy dialogue has the required pace to make Bawarchi work. Either all these actors are adept at this and/or Mukherjee and his direction team are experts in achieving it.Bawarchi can inspire a mixture of emotions: from sadness to joy. Whether you understand Hindi or not, it's a film that you can go back to and still enjoy again and again, and that is the mark of genius.