New Delhi

New Delhi (1956) : Brief Review -

The BAAP of all community-crossing state issues romantic comedies! A pure HINDI rom-com on Madrasi vs. Punjabi vs. Bengali family issues. The film ends with "Saare jahaan se accha, Hindustan hamara. Majhab nahi sikhata aapas mein bair karna," and we have a fantastic satirical start to this "Hindustani" community issue. Anand, a Punjabi guy, is looking for a house in New Delhi but is denied by community followers. His only point to argue is that he is "Hindustani." As he says, "This city has houses for all, Bengali, Telugu, Gujrati, Sindhi, and others, but not for INDIANS!" We have seen a few romantic comedies based on these state/community fights, but I think nobody did it like New Delhi. It was the first or one of the first, and moreover, it had those twists and turns that others couldn't think of even after years. The Punjabi guy pretends to be a Madrasi in order to get a house and falls in love with a Madrasi girl, Janki. His sister falls in love with a Bengali guy. Anand's father wants his children to marry in Punjabi families because he is more concerned about the Biradari (community) than the family. The same is the case with Janki's father, and then there is a twist in the second half. It's difficult to accept that Vyjayantimala, aka Janki, played a Punjabi girl by adding a mole on her cheek, and nobody recognized her. That's forgiven under the pretense of cinematic liberty. It adds a nice twist and confusing moments to this superb script, and then we have a terrific climax as well. Shankar-Jaikishan deliver another super hit album; a special shoutout to the legendary "Nakhrewali." Whattaa song! Western touch, British feel, and Indian melody. Full marks to one of the greatest of her times, Vyjayanthimala, and all-rounder Kishore da. Dear Mohan Segal, a heartfelt thanks for showing us the way.

RATING - 7.5/10*

By - #samthebestest.