User reviews

Dil Deke Dekho (1959) : Brief Review -

Here's why Nasir Hussain was hailed as the pioneer of dramatic masala entertainers! It's hard to believe that Nasir Hussain wrote and directed such masaledar and dramatic films back in time, which many film makers failed to do today (after 7 decades). Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957) was based on the lost son formula, and here he gave it a superb update in Dil Deke Dekho. Again, a lost song formula but overwhelming dramatic conflicts and high-voltage twists. Dil Deke Dekho begins on a stupid note, as we have one letter destroying a happy family. In the letter, the enemy writes about saving the woman's respect; then how the hell can he leave a letter that demolishes that Izzat? That was really stupid-not from the enemy's side, but from the other side. Next, we have some solid drama, a fantastic script, super entertaining romance, songs, characters, and a few funny scenes as well. Shammi Kapoor is the lost son, but he doesn't know. He arrives in his mother's town, but she is deceived by the enemy's son into believing that he is her son. See that Tumsa Nahi Dekha story again? Similarly, the heroine falls in love with the hero, and the parents aren't up for it. See, same to same. It's just that Dil Deke Dekho has too many twists, and that's why it is much longer. Yet, keeping audiences interested for almost 3 hours isn't an easy job. Nasir Hussain, who began to crack the formula in the 50s, actually got better by the end of the glorious decade. There are just too many songs in the film, but only the title song is something we can call evergreen. Shammi Kapoor plays a nice role, almost unforgettable for a masala film hero, and Asha Parekh shines as a beautiful heroine. Sulochana Latkar walks away with the best role in the entire film. Overall, Nasir Hussain's film has a couple of silly moments that aren't too crappy, while the rest of the film is a complete masala entertainer.

RATING - 7/10*

By - #samthebestest.