Manchali

Finally watched this movie. Sanjeev kumar was legendary in serious character roles, however lover boy and comedic roles wasn't his forte, just not convincing enough. Songs were fantastic. Leena Chandavarkar was her cute self. Storyline itself was simple with no twists or turn making it bland and boring.

Having left the cinema just after ten minutes of watching "De Taali," which I must say I did not enjoy at all as it just didn't make any sense to me, I decided to watch this romantic comedy oldie from 1973 and it took me back to the times when as child I went to Bombay with my parents and had the opportunity to watch it for the first time in a cinema and feel the experience of watching it with an audience who would not hesitate to get up and dance to some good tunes as well as laugh out loudly to some jokes and funny scenes as well as get involved in fight scenes by showing their emotions. Of course in those days there were no multiplexes either and for a movie to be considered a "hit" it would have run successfully for over three weeks and over several weeks for it to be considered as a "silver jubilee hit." A spoilt rich girl who lives with her uncle and aunt in the Himalayan town Simla, hires a man who she doesn't even know never mind having met before, in order to get her family inheritance which has been handed over to her uncle, who is ailing. The man informs her that he is from a poor family and that he will only do this for money. But she informs him that soon after they get married, she will divorce him and she will ensure that he receives his money. But soon events take a twist and she finds herself falling in love.

Starring the late Sanjeev Kumar, Leena Chandvarkar (now Leena Ganguly, widow of the late Kishore Kumar), Nirupa Roy, Nazima, Manmohan and Krishnakant. This is directed by Raja Nawathe and is written by Krishan Chander and G.R. Kamath and is based on the novel by Satyendra Sharat, entitled "Sayamber." Leena Chandwarkar just looked gorgeous and played her part very well as did the late Sanjeev Kumar. The songs, though just a few, were good and worth listening to as well. The comedy side of this movie – well what can I say? Except that the cast just made it look simple and effective. One particular song that still sticks in my mind is "O Manchali Kaha Chali," sung by the late Kishore Kumar and the other being by the nightingale of India, Lata Manageshkar and the music by Laxmikant Pyarelal.

Conclusion: If you enjoy old movies and in particular a romantic comedy, then this is the one to watch.

A fairytale-ish Indian make-over of "Taming of the Shrew." A spoiled rich girl concocts a fake marriage to a coolie to inherit her late father's money. All would be fine but that her suspicious nature and uncontrolled temper, along with her fake-husband's antics, lead to a power struggle between the couple and increasing chaos that leads to an acceptably melodramatic ending.

Honestly, I just watched the movie for Sanjeev Kumar, and you get some great moments with him, but the movie itself was good too. The setup is nice, and the actors are perfectly cast. The movie surpassed my expectations, however, in the comedy that permeates two-thirds of the movie. Of course, kudos to Sanjeev Kumar for this - perfect timing and great believability - and a good support in Leena Chandravarkar.

All in all, though you know how the movie is going to end, it's a nice ride to go along with.

A movie made well ahead of times. Contract Marriage, a subject quite new for early seventies. Director Raja Navathe managed to keep it simple for family viewing. Sanjeev Kumar and Leena Chandrawarkar are good. Others have virtually nothing to do. Fantastic music by LP for songs; 1) O Manchali, 2) Mile Kahin Do Ajnabi, 3) Gam Ka Fasana, 4) Tan Man Dhan Sab Hai Tera, 5) Kali Kali Choome. Watch it if you get a chance to.

"Manchali" is basically a comedy where the hero brings an arrogant heroine into track. In between we have all the ingredients familiar from 70s romantic comedies like trains, goons, fights, songs. But all the things have a bit faded look which won't hold you much. Besides the dated and faded look, there is much of co incidences and overacting from Sanjeev Kumar. The heroine, Leena Chandrawarkar, doesn't look impressive and others also don't leave their mark. As a whole, the film doesn't raise above average but isn't even that bad. If you're a fan of 70s movies, there is a bit of fun and story for you which makes it watchable.

Rating: 1 star out of 4