Chachi 420

I first caught this at the Eros Cinema in Bombay. Even without English subtitles this non-Hindi speaker thoroughly enjoyed it. Recently I found this on DVD with the subtitle option and liked it all the more. Much funnier than the original "Mrs. Doubtfire", not nearly so cloying. I first knew Kamal Hassan (writer, director, lead actor) from a Tmail gangster film, "Narayan". That he is so funny, and subtle even in a larger-than-life role, was a great surprise. Don't miss this if you ever get the opportunity. The fight scene in he baazar is an instsant classic!

No doubt it's one of the best films of our childhood. Then, many of us didn't know who Kamal Haasan was. While growing we get to know more and more about this legend. This is the official remake of Tamil film Avvai Shanmughi, Kamal Haasan was also there in the lead role. The Hindi remake was to be directed by Shantanu Sheorey, but it's good that Kamal took over as director and we get to introduce with the Director Kamal Haasan.

Many may say that this type of concept will not work nowadays. But, without any doubt I can say that this film would've been same hit what it was back then because of its brilliant portrayal and writing. Lyrics by Gulzar and music of Vishal Bhardwaj were easily lovable and now nostalgic. Loved the entire cast specially Om Puri, Paresh Rawal and little Fatima. Really miss this type of comedies nowadays.

Available on YouTube.

© MandalBros.

Absolute Entertainment!! Full of comedy and absolutely the best remake of MRS DOUBTFIRE.

Kamal Hasan remakes Mrs Doubtfire and gives an inspired performance as Mrs Luxmi Godbole, a god-fearing Maharashtrian matriarch. 'Chachi 420' itself is a bit of a mess. The film is overlong with messy subplots and Tabu is strangely lackluster. Yet Kamal Hasan makes it worthwhile with his superb comic timing. It does get overindulgent at times with some unnecessary songs. Amrish Puri is good as usual. Om Puri has a brief but funny cameo. There are some risqué scenes involving Nasser, so family audiences beware. Still, the film is well worth watching on television or DVD.

Overall 6/10

Well scripted, superbly acted and absolutely funny. I don't remember a movie in which legends of Indian cinema, Amrish Puri, Om Puri, Paresh Rawal, Johny Walker, Nasser and Kamal Hassan came together in a comedy.

It is a laugh riot, and it will make you forget all your worries for a moment.