Bawarchi

"It is so simple to be happy but it is so difficult to be simple," quoted Rajesh Khanna in the film. It's simplicity & light hearted movie making of Hrishida which made him one of the most popular film director of India. If I have to choose only one best Indian Director, I will chose him without a single doubt and this isn't any exaggeration at all. His every films I've seen innumerable times & still left with the feeling to watch it again. Hrishida was such a genius director that even big superstars like Big B & Kaka (khanna) agree to do any sort of thing he told them to do. For example in this film, he convinced Big B to narrate the title credits of the film just like a stage play & also convinced Khanna (a Big superstar then) to do a role of home cook(Bawarchi). How Khanna entered in Shanti Niwas & changed the dynamics of a constantly quarreling family into a lovable bonding is just watch worthy. Along with really a fine act of Rajesh Khanna there are few more stalwarts of Hrishda's films like Jaya Bhaduri & Asrani who also shared their light hearted act in this film. I've seen Govinda- David Dhavan's 'Hero no-1' & Sanju Baba Starr 'Khoobsurat'& both are direct rip off of this film but it's always original which stays classic. As one of my friend Digant said to me that this film won't make you laugh louder in the funny scenes but make your face smile from beginning to end. So true.

Recommended to all Hrishida's fans.

Ratings-8/10

It is yet another great movie by the legendary director.

A priceless gem directed by Hrishida.

Rajesh Khanna simply mesmerizes everyone with his performance.

The acting by Rajesh Khanna is itself worth the price of the movie.

The story is great with a very nice twist in the climax.

Enough talking about this film, just go and watch it.

Trust me, you are not going to regret it.

P.S.:-If you like Hrishida's films you can also watch Anand. Sometimes I really wonder if India is ever, ever going to get a great director like Hrishida ! I really hope it gets !

The remarkable imaginative profundity of Hirishda to poignantly portray basic moral values which circumvent a whole facet of mundane matters and temperamental grudges has always been the hallmark of this great Bollywood director of the yore.

His characterization of different roles in a sublimely moving fashion was the bedrock of his cinematic genius that led him to craft simple, low budget, non-vulgar movies while posting box office records.

His candid and evocative imagination never felt short/handicapped or at any loss while filming landmark movies like Anand, Abhiman and Bawarchi which are devoid of any obscene depiction which is considered vital for box office success by directors like Raj Kapoor.

It is also pertinent to mention that Rajesh Khanna in the lead role but without a heroine like in Anand (also directed by Hirishda) shall always be remembered for his versatile, soft and morally strong depiction that should not be short of any words. Seeing is indeed believing .......

Baawarchi is a showcase for the immense talent of it's director Hrishikesh Mukherjee and his ability to take a simple plot and make a thoroughly enjoyable film. One that you can see again and again and again and never seem to tire of it. It is a clean family film, like all other Hrishikesh Mukherjee films, which will make the entire family, the young and the old, and the very young and the very old, all alike, laugh and cry. Regarding the acting, absolutely top notch. Every single character is played to perfection by the entire cast, but special mention has to be made of Rajesh Khanna. Rajesh Khanna not only plays the title character but he is the heart and soul of the film. What a performance, simply one of his best. Considering the other great performances from him, that's saying a lot. It was an absolute travesty that Rajesh Khanna did not win the Filmfare Award for the year 1972, considering the award went to Manoj Kumar (really!) for an obscure and crappy film Be-Imaan.

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.