Chintu Ji

This movie release with no publicity but i was lucky to see it. This has a very simple story but conveys very powerful message without loosing the interest of viewer. It is comedy as well as drama. Right from the start till end you are going to have light giggles.

Rishi Kapoor, aka Chintuji, is the protagonist. He is a very popular actor. His villagers invite him to visit the village, so that village gets publicity, which in turn will bear fruits in terms of better amenities at village. Rishi Kapoor wants to enter into politics, so he accepts the offer. He is idolized by every villager. But the true character of Rishi Kapoor is known by villagers when he starts living in the village following an accident. Villagers, following the principles of Atithi Devo Bhavi, cross the lines what their conscience defines right or wrong, to please Chintuji.

Till the end, Chintuji keeps on telling lies and betrays villagers for his own selfish interest. The incident after incident the love of villagers moves him to ponder over the question - am I really upto grand image that people all over adore me? Am I the right hero for the people. How can people have so much respect for me, even when I doesn't have an iota of their ideals?

Watch this for freshness of low budget creative cinema without big starcast, so uncommon in Bollywood. Rishi Kapoor wins the most brownie points, so does the story and direction. Hats off!

A gem that was missed and is continued to be missed.

Barring a couple of songs there is nothing bad in this movie. It has wonderful people nice emotions and also a subtle message. Still, it was neither known nor recognized it seems like this film was never made. Somehow, I got this and watched it. Wow, I found a little gem myself which I can proudly show to my family.

This is a film that is based a rural place call Hadbahedi and is visited by Rishi Kapoor who is told to be born there. There is a rival village which is more famous but because of misdeed. While Hadbahedi is not know, it has lot of good values. People do not even eat non vegetarian or eggs. Liquor is not touched. There are not many facilities yet people seem to be contended. That's the essence of the village.

Rishi Kapoor who is fondly referred to as Chintuji plays his own role. Just that he is a narcissist actor who loves himself and needs money to get himself out of trouble. He is selfish and inconsiderate too. Rishi Kapoor plays the role with aplomb and ease and makes it his own. I dare say, only he could justify the role and I cannot think of any other actor doing Chintu as Rishi did it.

The film is intelligent at times and seems stupid too, but the best part is it never takes itself seriously. And that's the reason it works. It's embellished with few delicious moments and nice scenes that make us tickle and chuckle pretty much from the word go. Though there are some uncalled for subplots like a guy being accused of terrorist or a journalist being kidnapped, they do not let us deviate from the main plot and that's good.

For songs, as afore mentioned, those were not needed, but one song which takes the names of world famous directors from Akira Kurosawa to Vittoria De Sica and many more is just hilarious. Many moments like this make it a fun watch.

The screenplay is quick and the editing seems fine for much of the film. The performances by much of the little characters be it a rickshaw puller who comes in one scene or Maa ji, seemed great. But again, it's the uninhibited performance of the protagonist Rishi Kapoor as Chintuji that makes it work.

I wish this is either re-released or is selected for few festivals coz it deserves a wider audience and appreciation than what it actually got. I am going with probably a high rating of 4/5, but it's OK coz I loved it.

Ranjit Kapoor is the newest addition in the list of talented filmmakers. He's associated with films like 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro', and that says it all.

His directorial debut, 'Chintuji' which had a sorry fate at the box office, is a pleasant surprise.

I saw the film on TATA SKY {showcase section}, and the reason was obviously it had gotten good reviews... the moment I selected 'Chintuji', I was clued into the film. It's no way the best film of this year, but surely is one of the best. An earnest effort! Kapoor has written, directed & executed the film aplomb. Right from the moment we are taken to this small town, it catches your attention. Plus, The first 30 minutes are hilarious, the scene where Rishi is welcomed, the entire sequence is the most memorable sequence of the enter prise.

Performance-wise: Rishi Kapoor is excellent. The veteran plays himself, though a caricature here, shown as rude-turned likable character. He's in full from, once again. Priyanshu Chatterjee is fabulous, though his romantic angle with Kulraj Randhawa is boring and minus point in the proceedings. Saurabh Shukla, Grusha Kapoor & others give first-rate performances.

on the whole 'Chintuji' is a gem of a film. Face-Value wise, nothing. Script wise, Fab! Thumbs Up!

I wonder why such beautiful and fresh films are made in such a few numbers in Bollywood. It is a beautiful script with power packed performance by Chintu ji aka Rishi Kapoor. Set in the small village .... err.... town... Hathbahedi, a place where there is still "Ram Rajya". They call the only famous person ever born in their town... Rishi Kapoor ... and treat him like god. They change their lifestyle because of him, even put their religion at stake and the "big filmstar" is just using them. In the end however good wins over evil and he changes. A good movie which I can watch again for its comic timing and Rishi Kapoor's acting. Kulraj Randhawa looks stunning and has acted well as well. She will go a long way in the film industry if she chooses her films wisely and does not opts for a skin show. Priyanshu Chatterjee is one of the best newcomers in the industry and it breaks my heart to see that he gets so few films. He is a powerhouse of talent but still I get to see him in so few movies.

Overall a very good movie, well made too. These kind of movies should be promoted more and should be made more often.

Had Ranjit Kapoor drawn sensibilities from Shyam Benegal and Priyadarshan, Chintuji could have been a perfect feel-good movie of the year. Lets be honest, the plot of famous personality visiting the small- town is "Billu Barber" and the simplicity of the characters is "Welcome to Sajjanpur". Only difference is the reality check on the super-star who is big-bad-wold reincarnate. Technically the movie is perfect, the screenplay should have been tempered a bit more on the edges to arrive at a golden finish. At the end, it leaves the audience desiring for more.

Rishi Kapoor: In all honesty, only Rishi Kapoor could have carried off this role. A perfect blend of fact with fiction for his characterisation.

Priyanshu:: Carried his role quite well actually.

Neha Kaul:: Its nice to see the small-screen Preiti Zinta migrate to big screen. Her choice of costumes deserve a special mention and sadly not the same can be said about her makeup. The romantic track seemed jumping the gun a bit too quickly.

Kseniya Ryabinkina:: I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the "Mera Naam Joker" lady making a very-very special appearance in this one.

Sophiya:: Had a few more lines in addition to the so-called item number.

Grusha Kapoor:: OMG - I didn't believe that it was Devyani from Tara.

Annu Kapoor & Saurabh Shukla were passable.

A lot of actors seem to have been under-utilised.

Special mention is deserved for an honest portrayal of the village, one actually feels being in there.