HAM SAB CHOR HAIN (1956) is a true comedy masterpiece of Hindi cinema. This film probably popularized the concept of identical twin siblings both lost & separated in childhood. This became a very familiar and popular theme which was reworked in later films: CHINATOWN starring Shammi Kapoor, RAM AUR SHYAM starring Dilip Kumar, SEETA AUR GEETA starring Hema Malini, etc. HSCH is an episodic film but there is a definite storyline to it and its continuity is superb. Especially for a Hindi comedy film. It was in this film that Shammi Kapoor got his opportunity to display his comedic talents which became his career trademark. However, the star of this film is the incomparable Nalini Jaywant. An actress whose sweet, innocent face has never been equaled in Hindi cinema. Nalini Jaywant has played in some rather serious melodramas in which she was quite effective but in this film, she displayed a talent for comedy which set the standard for all subsequent Hindi film comedies for decades to come. The original comedy duo of Hindi cinema, Johar & Majnu, are as indispensable to this film as is Nalini Jaywant. Before there was the serio-comedy team of Johar-Mehmood, there was Johar & Majnu. Classic Mohammed Rafi & Asha Bhosle songs greatly add to this film as well. The incredibly cute actress Ameeta and the erstwhile villainous Pran also deliver excellent performances. Certainly a must see film for the whole family, HAM SAB CHOR HAIN is a film which can be viewed a dozen times and it will still retain its freshness. One of the finest directorial efforts of Hindi screen veteran I. S. Johar. Another Nalini Jaywant title which is highly recommended is BAHEN (1941) which co-starred Sheikh Mukhtar (who in this film, cemented his reputation as the original angry young man of Hindi cinema).
