Chintu Ji

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.

In Hindi cinema today it is rare to find an original idea. The billboards in Bombay are awash with films that rely on very thin plots and even thinner costumes. They are mostly selling films that shamelessly "borrow" their ideas from the best and worst of Hollywood and popular World cinema. Chintuji is a breath of fresh air in that it relies on an original plot and superb performances to entertain its audience. Rishi Kapoor's brilliant performance is as brave as its is funny, poking fun at the very nature of stardom and "Bollywood Hero" worship. Maybe Ranjit Kapoor's script hit a raw nerve by lampooning the very nature of stardom in India today? It is good to see that Bobby Bedi is still taking risks with his choice of film too. At the end of the day though it is Rishi Kapoor's endearing and hilarious performance that makes this film a winner. We need to see more films like this come on the screens in India today.

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.

First thing first, Chintuji is not another run-of-the-mill entertainer nor is it a great artistic exuberance. Most of the things would just look average to a casual cine goer. But if you understand cinema a bit closely, the film makers vision truly comes alive. Though the social satire in Chintuji is not easily palpable, but given the long association of Ranjit as a dialogue writer of films on social and political milieu (Jaane bhi.., Lajja, Bandit queen, Halla bol etc.) his vision to bring some of those issues in such simplistic manner is appreciable.

Chintuji has an excellent script, and had it been by a directed better versed with such movies it could have been a masterpiece. But Ranjit failed on this front. The movie seems more like a theatre drama, and the unbelievable honesty of 'Hadbahedi wale' making it all the more cheezy. Probably to make it a commercially viable movie, Ranjit has put some undesirable stuffs including a couple of songs which in fact did not go down well with the viewers. (Though I personally liked the Akira Kurosawa song which named a lot of big directors from all over the globe. Whosoever wrote that lyrics, did a good job.) Also, some of the scenes should really have been done in a much better way (like the one where Kulraj chases away the inspector).

Acting is a major saving grace of Chintuji. Rishi Kapor, Priyanshu, Kulraj... all are in top form. I wonder when will some one re-exploit Priyanshu's full potential like Anubhav did in Tum Bin. Kseniya's special appearance after 40 long years is a big surprise.

Over all, a good movie to watch for its honest storytelling.

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!