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

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.

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!

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 !

A cook appears out of the blue as an answer to the prayers of the house members. Little do they know that his arrival would mark a life changing experience for all those who live there. As he reminds them that life is not about the pursuit of individual happiness but about the attainment of this emotion for others. A family who feel they are burdened with problems soon realise that each of them can solve them if the necessary effort is put in. A number of pearls of wisdom are unveiled by their enigmatic employee such as the completion of a task which is not one's own can give a person as much joy as the completion of a persons own task etc lead to the improvement in lifestyle for all concerned. Its the little joys in life which are countless that matter why worry about the larger joys in life which are few & far between? The one person in the household who shares his attitude to life is constantly being exploited by her aunts at her own expense (her education) the cook takes under his wing so she can receive the attention she richly deserves. She blossoms under the supervision of the cook to the surprise of her relatives who simply believed she neither had the talent or the skills to reach the heights that she accomplishes. So all in all a thoroughly insightful feel good movie which should not be missed if enlightenment is your quest...