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

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!

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 .......

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.

this is probably my most

watched film seen it about 28 times and still counting...

film's story is simple but has lots of

messages in it acting by all the actors is good songs are okay. dialogues are fantabulous

...its so simple to be happy but difficult to be simple

also the film has a very nice suspense in it

must watch for all the members of you family also the film contains a surprise voice over by big b himself.

don't miss this classic