The Sai Paranjape-Faaroque Sheikh Equation

Down Memory Lane

19th March was Sai Paranjape's birthday.

Today 25th is the late Farooque Sheikh's 76th Birth Anniversary.

One's mind goes back to 

1981 and 1982-83 when both worked together as Director Actor in Chashme Baddoor and Katha.

Farooque Sheikh :

In the world of mainstream Hindi cinema, actors need stock ingredients to deliver salable performances. Farooque Shaikh was never on the list. However 

Farooque Shaikh’s untimely death at the age of 65 in 2013, has left a void in Indian cinema that still hasn’t been filled. After working in theatre, Shaikh got his first break in MS Sathyu’s landmark film Garm Hava (1973),

Labelled as a serious actor Farooque Shaikh found his comic groove with Sai Paranjpye’s Chashme Baddoor (1981), a delightful tale of three room mates who fall for the same woman, Neha (Deepti Naval). This was the first time that Farooque Shaikh and Dipti Naval were cast together, and the two went on to become one of the most charming on-screen pairs in the ’80s.

This was followed by Katha by the same team a year later..

Shaikh’s crowning glory was this brilliant turn as the boastful and gregarious Bashudev (Bashu) in Katha ; When Bashu comes to live with the shy and timid Rajaram Joshi (Naseeruddin Shah), his shenanigans turned life in the once-peaceful chawl upside down. Bashu is the proverbial hare to Joshi’s tortoise, beating him to woo Sandhya (Deepti Naval). The shameless and unrepentant Bashu, who juggles his relationship with Sandhya with an affair with his boss’s wife (Mallika Sarabhai) while also flirting with her daughter Jojo (Winnie Paranjpe), is easy to detest. Instead, Farooque Shaikh makes him irresistible.

Both these films are remembered even today for their clean and light comic approach.

Yodha

First Day Review YODHA

In a current trend Bollywood is taking action in to the skies for the audience. After Runway 34, Tejas, Fighter, and Operation Valentine from the South, Yodha is the latest in the trend of aerial adventures.

To add to this is the Dash of 

Desh Bhakti and it has become a delicious menu to serve.

The story is wafer thin..

Following in the footsteps of his late father,Surender Katyal (Ronit Roy), who is the founder of the Yodha Task force , Our hero Arun Katyal (Sidharth Malhotra) also joins the Yodha Task Force. Arun’s critical mission during the Amritsar plane hijack, where his efforts tragically led to the death of a VIP passenger whose security he was responsible for, results in the suspension of the Yodha task force. A few years later, Arun finds himself on another hijacked plane.

He is now into Inflight security.

Circumstances However, make his former coworkers. and the government suspect him of orchestrating the hijack as a form of revenge for the Yodha Task Force’s dismissal. Is Arun the villain as portrayed, or is there more to the story? We find out everything eventually.

Directed by newcomers Pushkar Ojha and Sagar Ambre, the highlight of the film is the combat scenes in the skies, some of which take you to the edge of your seats. Sidharth Malhotra, once again, impresses with his screen presence, booming voice, and agility. Moving with a sense of purpose that the character demands, here is a young action hero who doesn’t need to announce his presence by going bare-chested but his neonate charisma and his wife Priyamwada played by Rashii Khanna’s also matches him.

Disha Patni plays her part well.

The physical punches land well but the emotional ones are a bit tame. The surprise element crucial for the middle portion.

The Twists are interesting

Overall, the delightfully twisted narrative, characters, and breathtaking action sequences make for an enjoyable experience even if you have seen it many times off late. This action adventure resembles a plane journey; while the takeoff may not be smooth, as the journey progresses, it draws you in. Despite some turbulence in the narrative, eventually, you’ll be glad you ventured on this exhilarating ride.

I give it 3.5 *stars out of 5

RD & RB.. A Tribute and Trivia

#rdtrivia 

How Ironic and Rare is it that two friends ..

A Film maker and a Music Director (The filmmaker never made a single film without his friend doing the music).

Some films flopped but the music was evergreen.

Iam talking of R.D.Burman who passed away on 4th January 1994 and four years before that on 5th January 1990 Ramesh Behl one of his closest friends passed away.

Together they made 12 movies.

A Tribute to this friendship.

The association started with 

" The Train".

“The Train” was a good thriller. Rajesh Khanna was then on the verge of sweeping the audience with his romantic image, wooing the leading lady with songs written for him, belting out hits after hits, with the trusted combination of lyricist Anand Bakshi, composer RD Burman and singer Kishore Kumar. This movie did not have a Kishore number but Mohammad Rafi delivered in the rare style that made him a super star among singers. 

A suspence film which had its soul in the music..

The songs were in fact thrown in at strategic interludes because the script was not strong enough to sustain the interest of the audience. It was unsurprising that the CID Inspector Shyam Kumar and Neeta, played by Nanda, were introduced through a song, the lilting Rafi number “Gulabi Aankhen Jo Teri Dekhin”. It figured in the Binaca Geet Mala list for weeks.

The story was nothing spectacular

A series of murders on a train, on a specifically targeted route, and a pattern of robbing jewellers, sets the police on a trail. Shyam Kumar ( Rajesh Khanna) has a tough assignment since he has to find the culprit responsible for framing Neeta’s ( Nanda) father in a murder trap. The character of Lily, so brilliantly portrayed by Helen, livens up the narrative. Tasked to seduce Inspector Shyam the hotel dancer falls in love with the detective and complicates the situation for her boss, No. 1 (Madan Puri). The Don and his cronies went by numbers as identity. Lily gets two lilting numbers to share the space with Neeta, who tries to match the Inspector’s dancing skills in “Gulabi Aankhen” and later in “Kis Liye Maine Pyaar Kiya” and a duet “Mujhse Bhala Yeh Kaajal Tera”. The Helen numbers, sung by Asha Bhosle – “Maine Dil Abhi Diya Nahi” and “Meri Jaan Maine Kaha” with RD, were well received too.

This was the level of melody in R.D.Burmans music.

It was the music which capitulated this film to be a big success..A super star and one in the making contributed to give “The Train” the status of a hit.

This was followed by

Jawaani Diwani (1972)

A romantic caper which added Randhir Kapoor as the third angle of this friendship triangle.

Romance was portrayed essentially through RD’s tunes. The variety that he brought was amazing, pumped life into what would have ended as a mundane narrative involving two college students falling in love with each other and achieving their goal after some hiccups. There is a villain too, some slapstick humour, and a predictable happy ending. The plot does not appeal but the music lingers. RD was the best ambassador for youthful and romantic genre not to forget the classical touch that he brought to songs.

Songs from “Jawani Diwani” impressed a cross-section of music-lovers. “Yeh Jawani Hai Diwani” was a peppy number and is still a regular in remixes.. “Saamne Yeh Kaun Aaya” could be heard at most parties. “Nahi Nahi Abhi Nahi” and “Agar Saaz Chheda Tarane Banenge” became popular too but he icing on the cake was “Jaane Jaan Dhoondta Phir Raha” which had a distinct RD touch, a unique blend of instruments that only he could use.

The film is remembered today just for its musc.

The pair of Ramesh Behl and R.D went on to give further hits like Kasme Vaade, Basera,Yeh Vaada Raha. These were quality films with melody.

Even insipid films like 

Dil Deewana (almost a sequel to Jawani Diwani) , Harjayi, Jaane Jaan and Apne Apne are remembered (?) just for their music.

Pukar had lovely music and songs but the film came with Amitabh in a bad patch..R.D singing for him ( due to a fall off with Kishore Kumar)

The prolific music of Jawaani (Too Rootha toh main roh dungi) is remembered.

The association ended with Indrajeet released a year after Ramesh ji passed away.

R.D Burman was also in obliviation.

Here's to their friendship..and the music they created.

Collage Credit: Shailendra Mishra.

Navjeevan Films

Navjeevan Films 

Producer Tony & Tito.

(Ramanjeet and Khushaljeet Singh Juneja)

Does this ring a bell ?

The banner was launched in 1974 and the first film was Do Anjaane which released on 26th November 1976.

As Do Anjaane was completed they announced Ram Balram which however was delayed and released only on 28th November 1980.

(Today 41 years)

Infact due to the delay in

Ram Balram in between they shot a quickie Mr Natwarlal in 1978-79.

DO ANJAANE:

The first half of the movie deals with, Amitabh, enacting a simple , but not a stupid guy, who loves his wife, and son, Rekha, unhappy with their social and financial low status, Prem Chopra, a slimy guy, who knows how to take advantage of the situation, and finally, going to the gruesome extent, by pushing somewhat drunk, yet outspoken hero, out of the running train !

in the second part, which is more or less, seems cliched, and loses it's tempo, while explaining all the happenings, in between the wife becoming an upcoming heroine, much in demand , and the hero, who has survived the tragedy, living with his newly found, rich and kind, loving, parents ! The son is tucked away in a Boarding School, as obviously, the glamorous lady has no time for his upbringing ! Enter Amitabh (PART 2), and Rekha starts sweating under her heavy make-up, and sequined dresses, frightened at the striking similarity, between this rich, handsome, polished gentleman, who wishes to produce a film, with no one else, but her in the leading role ! And lo !The story matches so much with her own past ! Now this is a real panic situation . The villain is also suspicious, but has no clue. momentarily convinced, after phoning the hero's father, they try to take things for granted. Amitabh also visits his son in the school, and there is that adorable song, Luk Chup, which makes the son realise, and even the kind Principal, that indeed , this is the long lost father ! Things end happily after all, with some turmoil, fighting, and Rekha realizing what she had missed. Amitabh , Rekha and Prem Chopra, are perfectly cast in their respective roles. Utpal Dutt is as usual, most natural, and helps to lighten the mood of the movie, otherwise heavy, with anticipation, and Rekha's agony. Especially, his efforts at pronouncing the difficult Hindi words, gives a different touch to his personality. But it is Amitabh, who steals the show. One of his memorable performances, he has superbly underplayed, not giving in to the temptation of being melodramatic !  Yet, I have rated this movie on 6 out of ten, because, it doesn't convince on the situations, where the hero boldly encounters his wife, with gifts, ideas, and reminders, when she can easily find out , who the hell he is ! Forget the flaws, and enjoy the movie, not too bad by Indian cinema standards !

Do Anjaane was a film for the multiplexes. Not for the front benchers. 

RAM BALRAM

As mentioned very delayed film

The third pairing of Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan (After Chupke Chupke and Sholay).

The story by Vijay Anand who directed and edited the film goes like this

Jagatpal (Ajit) causes a misunderstanding between two brothers who he claims as relatives (but obviously not). While they were arguing, he shoots both of them from the window, and frames them for murdering each other. Meanwhile he tries to molest and kill Ram's mother Saraswati who also raises her brother in-law's son Balram as her own (supposedly, but she survives and pops up at the end somehow). Jagatpal forcefully raises Ram to be a thief, and Balram to be educated without the accompaniment of his brother/cousin. He does this with sharp-pointy objects on the ends of his crutches...if they don't listen he threatens to stab them.

Ram (Dharmendra grows up to be a Mechanic who also is a Robinhood Charecter ) and makes Jagatpal rich.

Balram ( Amitabh Bachchan) is made into a Police Inspector..(Ek Chor Ek Sipahi) to see that Ram gets away always.

The first half of the movie (excluding the evilness of their evil uncle) was pretty entertaining ~ Dharmendra and Amitabh are first shown together and then shown in different scenes separately to show the differences and similarities in their life. Balram falls in love with Shoba (Rekha -Who was signed again after Do Anjaane) and Ram falls in love with Madhu (Zeenat Aman). The part where they display their own girls to each other is pretty amusing.

Part two is the Revenge angle

Ram and Balram continue to acquire wealth, by hook or by crook, for their uncle. In so doing, Bholuram incurs the wrath of Chandan Singh (Prem Chopra) and Suleiman Seth (Amjad Khan) and finally the thrilling climax on a ship.

The topic of 2 brothers on opposite sides of law became a common feature of Amitabh's movies like Deewar Parvarish and Suhaag .But none of them were so cool and celebrated about it as this movie.Here there is no friction between the brothers as the opposite side of law is deliberately enacted.

The film was a hit and so was the music with catchy songs 'Ek rasta...do raahi', 'Yaar ki khabar mil gayi..gayi', 'Ladki pasand ki mushkil se milti hai' and 'Balram ne bahut samjaaya

The film was released just a week ahead of Shaan bit that did not deter it's business and prospects.

This was the story of Navjeewan Films and it's two releases of November.

Chailla Babu : Rajesh Khanna Reloaded

Chailla Babu released in 1977 was a runaway hit. It starred Rajesh Khanna and Zeenat Aman in the lead. This action suspense movie must be watched carefully else one would lose track. The movie has good music by Laxmikant Pyarelal and some numbers were very popular then and still are. Rajesh Khanna is good in the movie and is in various characters all rolled into one. He looks great in action scenes also. Zeenat Aman looks awesome as always and performs well. This is a revenge drama told in a different style but as suggested if one is not careful - he would not understand. It is of course a must watch for Rajesh Khanna fans as he shows his skills in all - action, comedy, romance and drama.. Bruce Lee movie Enter The Dragon theme music "The Big Battle" by Lalo Schifrin is used during some of Rajesh Khanna's action scene's, as also the climax was a mirror image of the climax of enter the dragon. Who is Chailla and what is he after? Enjoy watching this crime thriller unfold. Film was a much needed hit for Rajesh Khanna whose films were not doing well then. The unexpected success of the film gave a boost to the careers of both Khanna and Zeenat.

Joy Mukherjee was the director and his only hit.

The movie maintains the slickness and pace required for a thriller.

Songs are hits like Main Babu Chailla, Yaar Dildar Tujhe, Chailla Mera Chailla, Humko nikalogi ghar se, 

The suspense doesn't startle one , but is well executed. Photography by Nariman Irani is eye Candy. writer Kader Khan has a great voice over for Scorpion , in fact when I first saw the movie in a rerun in 1980 I thought he would be the undercover Scorpion ( No more spoilers ).

Aankh Micholi

New Film Review

Aankh Micholi

The film was released with minimum publicity and went to see it with minimum expectations firstly for the director Umesh Shukla who gave us O My God , Dhoondte Reh Jaaoge and 102 Not out.

Secondly for Paresh Rawal.

Honestly came out with a smile.

The film introduces us to the Singh family from Hoshiarpur, Punjab, a quirky bunch with a penchant for peculiar medical conditions. We've got the forgetful Ayurvedic Doctor, Navjot Singh (Paresh Rawal), his deaf elder son, Yuvraj Singh (Sharman Joshi), the stammering second son, Harbhajan Singh (Abhishek Banerjee), 

(The names adapted from Cricket stars for a story having no relation to the game )

and the daughter, Paro (Mrunal Thakur), who is suffering from night blindness.

It's all in the family..

Yuvraj is married to Billo ( Divya Dutta ) who was not aware of his deafness. 

Now the father is looking for a match for Paro lead to the introduction of Rohit Patel (Abhimanyu Dasani), a potential groom with his own secret. 

( Whom Paro had met in Switzerland but unknown to her) The ensuing comedy of errors is the heart of the film, where secrets continue to pile up and complications rise with Bhatti 

(who also wanted to marry Billo and wants his daughter to link up with Rohit ).

The climax is a bit far fetched but keeps the light moments intact.

All the actors have done their part and Paresh Rawal stands out. Mrunal and Abhimanyu are competent but somehow can't create an attachment.

The film's attempt to rekindle the charm of clean comedies falls a bit short but It does pay homage to the golden era of Bollywood comedies, one can't help remembering the Priyadarshan and David Dhawan comedies.

If you're a fan of slapstick comedies and are willing to overlook its shortcomings, then I would recommend a one time see .

The give it *** Three Stars