Chhoti Si Baat

Firstly, this movie for me was a great 70s nostalgia trip: The Fort district of Bombay, Dadar Hindu Colony, Scooters, Flora Restaurant (The Best and probably the only Chinese Restaurant in Bombay those days- But I've never used chopsticks there!), the old BEST Double-Deckers, the bell-bottoms, Amol Palekars' glasses, Jehangir Art Gallery, and Samovar. They missed out Rhythm House, Flora Fountain, and Chetana, but well, it didn't matter. Whatever was served, was enough. Secondly, the nostalgia was not in stark B & W of Guru Dutt's 50s, but in glorious Color, which brought out even the shiny, worn flagstones on the footpath in a unique, fresh, perspective, a unique shade of gray that only color could do. All this to say that my youth was re-lived, real-life. Thirdly, the protagonists: Young, Fresh-Faced, Natural, Lovely, Naive, in love- yet shy enough to express it, and how they get together, it was all so simple, and the contrast is yet so apparent when compared to todays' Bollywood Kitsch. Fourthly, to realize that Nostalgia dies with the death of a Generation; How Col. Singh has his own deep memories of an age that would have been ancient for the protagonists themselves! I never realised then, but right now, I'm old(er) and the young 'uns cannot 'get it' when I'm nostalgic. Fifthly, This movie is about Bombay, and the spirit of Bombay, and kudos to Basu-da and Salil-da for their glorious effort.

Chhoti Si Baat is for me the ultimate romantic comedy of those times - simple, funny and totally charming. Basu Chatterjee was an amazing talent. Like Hrishikesh Mukherjee, he used to make films that reflected the lives of people from the middle-class. Everything in this film is kept simple and contributes to its authenticity, including dialogues, characters, sets, props and costumes. Chatterjee brilliantly captures the world of Arun, an ordinary and rather insecure fellow who is deeply in love with a young and beautiful girl named Prabha. The story follows Arun's trials and tribulations and his later attempts to get her through the help and guidance of a love-guru, when another guy enters the picture. It's amazing how the viewers are given a chance to witness and experience every thought, yearning and disappointment that the character of Arun is going through, and yet the movie remains consistently humorous, lighthearted and comic.

I think that's what makes both the film and particularly the character of Arun so easy to relate to. I think everyone has been at some point secretly in love and could not express his feelings. And clearly this would not be so believable without Amol Palekar's great portrayal. Palekar's comically melancholic performance is wonderful. He never tries to do more than required or over-express his deep feelings. And yet it is always understood. This is easily one of his best. Vidya Sinha is beautiful and ever so graceful that it's easy to understand why she is the love interest here. Asrani is not the type of guy who would really look like a serious rival who could undermine one's confidence, but he is inevitably funny and suitably annoying. Ashok Kumar is just outstanding in a role which is quite different from his usual ventures. As the witty and kind Colonel Julius Nagendranath Wilfred Singh, he is hilarious, likable and memorable.

Some of the film's scenes are still remembered today, including the sequences showing Arun daily following Prabha on her way to her workplace. The lively streets of the yet-unconjested Bombay are efficiently shot and are nostalgic to look at. The scenes involving Arun and the love-guru Julius are of the best moments in the film, while Arun's transformation afterwards and his renewed interaction with Prabha is incredibly entertaining. Salil Choudhury's soundtrack for the film is beautiful. In another evident attempt to keep the film realistic, the songs are not visualised as one would expect in a Hindi film. The songs either play over montage sequences ("Na Jaane Kyun" and "Yeh Din Kyaa Aaye") or appear as part of a film the characters go to see in the cinema (the wonderful "Jaanemann"). In either way, they express the characters' state of mind brilliantly. Overall, Chhoti Si Baat is one classic gem to remember. Go now.

Just watched this film after 14 years and loved it just as much. CSB is is one of those simple experimental fantastic films from 70's which Indian filmmakers have not tried in the last 25 years. I think Golmal and Angoor were the last of this genre.

Script of CSB is unbeatable and doesn't deviate for even a second from its aim. Casting is perfect. Vidya Sinha is very good as a good looking middle class office going woman in Mumbai. Male cast is brilliant. With Ashok Kumar, Amol Palekar and Asrani you don't need anyone.Do you? In case you need then there is ever dependable CS Dubey. Dialogs are funny and situation are unique. Music by Salil Chowdhray is fantastic but I wont guarantee if its original. SalilDa was also good at inspired music :>

I couldn't stop noticing vacant Mumbai streets. 'Janeman' is very well shot with extras doing there own stuff while Amol and Vidya romancing around. Fantastic idea. I just loved the scene where Arun have his first conversation with Prabha and Nagesh just turns everything upside down. It captures the concept that when things go wrong they go wrong in quick succession. Its very well done. Colonel's analysis or Arun is hilarious 'improper conditioning and defective verbal communication', 'unstable self evasiveness', 'love labor lost case', 'unstable para nautical frustration'. Damn funny. Asrani is so good in his downfall scenes "Sala Peter Kaam Chod Ke Chala Gaya?", "Kahna Nagesh Sahab Ka Order Hai". Amol's best line is "Khade Ho Or Kaho Good Morning". Fantastic film. definitely in the top 25 Hindi films and of course best Basu Chatterjee.

This film beautifully captures Bombay in 70s, office going middle class, Bus 86 from Khar to Fountain (btw it still runs the same route!), conman, greenery of Khandala, awkwardness of relationship from acquaintances to love. Kudos to late Sharad Joshi for witty dialogues, to late KK Mahajan for showcasing Bombay through eyes of a commoner. Excellent cast led by Dadamoni & Amol ji. This film released in 1975 is enjoyed by ten yr child today. That's a classic. It has endured.

Undoubtedly one of the funniest Hindi films of all time, giving a nostalgic look at young and urbane 70s Bombay. Palekar is brilliant as the quintessential idiot in love with Vidya Sinha, but unable to express his love for her. Asrani is an excellent rival, sliming his way into the girl's heart. But there's a trump card - up in the hills is a learned oldie Ashok Kumar who has a devious plan of action in mind - to give Palekar the one-up on Asrani. Few have seen this film, and I'm yet to come across anyone who disputes that this rates as one of the best comedies to ever come out on the Indian silver screen.