Bawarchi

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!

Baawarchi is a showcase for the immense talent of it's director Hrishikesh Mukherjee and his ability to take a simple plot and make a thoroughly enjoyable film. One that you can see again and again and again and never seem to tire of it. It is a clean family film, like all other Hrishikesh Mukherjee films, which will make the entire family, the young and the old, and the very young and the very old, all alike, laugh and cry. Regarding the acting, absolutely top notch. Every single character is played to perfection by the entire cast, but special mention has to be made of Rajesh Khanna. Rajesh Khanna not only plays the title character but he is the heart and soul of the film. What a performance, simply one of his best. Considering the other great performances from him, that's saying a lot. It was an absolute travesty that Rajesh Khanna did not win the Filmfare Award for the year 1972, considering the award went to Manoj Kumar (really!) for an obscure and crappy film Be-Imaan.

No other actor at the peak of his career could have tried to do Bawarchie. It is a character which is non glamorous, no action, no romance but yet it was the ability of Super Star Rajesh Khanna that he put up such a sterling performance which will be remembered forever. This Hrishikesh Mukherjee movie suffers from average music but the character of Rajesh Khanna pulls the movie through and the audience comes out thinking.It is a must see for all movie goers as it is a masterpiece. Rajesh Khanna is excellent in the central character and is ably supported by other cast members - Jaya Bachchan,A k Hangal and others. It is inspired by an old Bengali hit and the spirit of Bawarchie continues to live and a no of movies have been made based on similar stories. However, it is a movie of joint families- which hardly exists in today's world. A must see

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...