Really Surprised!

An absolute waste of money

I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

A picturesque journey through Mumbai 'chawl' living. Contrary to general 80's Bollywood cinema this film brings a story of realistic characters, situations of the time - with a decent dose of entertainment via characters, dialogues and events as they unfold.The story may have a love triangle at it's heart but it is anything ordinary. Rajaram (Nasiruddin Shah) one day hopes to achieve Sandhaya (Deepti Naval), his love interest but he is probably too dull or mundane in her eyes. She's the eligible Bachelorette of the 'chawl' and sub-consciously hopes to 'climb the ladder' through her marriage and ultimately favors two-faced Vasu (Faarooq Sheikh) over truthful Rajaram, interestingly with encouragement from her parents.The drama balances the contrasting lifestyle of upper and lower-middle class Mumbai and opposing reactions of overly ambitious Vasu and confidence lacking Rajaram in corporate and social settings, making the movie quite appetizing at times. Subtly, the movie highlights the 'social pressures' of the 80's, and interestingly shows how characters from both segments fall prey to Vasu's lies and deceit, until it's late. You may find watching this movie over and over again and find it strangely uplifting, although Vasu succeeds in his intent and takes 'zing' from Rajaram's victory. The ultimate draw of the movie may be its character portrayal and situations the movie unfolds into, doubled with spot on acting and flawless editing, making it an 8/10.

During school days everyone would remember the old story of the race between Tortoise and Hare. Sai Paranjape here depicts the same story but using male characters as Rajaram (Naseeruddin Shah) for Tortoise and Bashudev (Farooq Sheikh) for Hare. The story is based on the background of the chawls in Mumbai where there are day to day common issues of common toilets, filling water early in the morning, residents acting as one family, the social and cultural meetings for various occasions etc. We see Rajaram suffering each day in order to help others but his happiness for helping others supersedes the pain in suffering. In perfect contrast, Bashudev acts to help others and this way fulfills his own wish, without even the other person realizing that he/she is actually getting used by him…Rajaram believes in the aspects of truthfulness and honesty. But for Bashudev conman ship is the act of life. Bashudev believes until you get caught enjoy your way out and once caught or fulfilled the wish, time to say 'Alvida' (Good bye)…Both the actors have marvelously done their part. I don't think Farooq exceeded himself in any of his other movies. Sir Naseer is of course a gem of an actor. The more we appreciate the less said it is for his caliber in acting. In between the two male actors, Dipti Naval as Sandhya (read the prize for the race) also does a splendid job. The supporting casts do play their roles properly. But hats-off to the director Sai Paranjape for making one of the masterpiece in Hindi cinema. With repeated viewings, I could find a lot of scenes which depict the genius in both direction and acting, e.g.1. Rajaram repeating his "Main permanent ho gaya hu"(I am confirmed in my job) quote to neighboring Bapu, but Bapu only concerned about fulfilling his own small needs. When Bapu is done with his demands, Rajaram modestly asks him "Aur kuch kaam Bapu..."(Anything else?) and leaves Bapu's room… 2. Rajaram asking his love Sandhya to not call him Rajaramji (Ji stands for Sir) but Rajaram….and she replies "Aapke personality main hi 'Ji' hain" (Your personality reflects Ji)… 3. When Rajaram is asked by his boss as how he liked the new ad-movie about their product(Footprint Shoes), he is the only person in the audience who honestly replies that movie is waste and such an ad-movie would make their product appear funny…As what happens with such lone opinions(despite of being honest) the boss humiliates him "Obviously you know more about office files then about Art" 4. Bashudev flattering the owner of 'Footprint Shoes' and getting a precious job for himself…Rajaram is in grave surprise that Bashudev neither has any qualification nor any experience but still has a better job than him… 5. Bashudev flirting with his boss's wife in the party thrown by the boss himself… 6. Nearing climax when after listening the whole story by Sandhya…Rajaram still claims honestly that his decision and love haven't changed…One scene which stands out and shows Sir Naseer's caliber is,When Sandhya's parents come to Rajaram's place to talk about Sandhya's marriage, Rajaram blushes to the maximum but when he realizes that they(Sandhya as well) expect groom as Bashudev…his expression changes from vast happiness to severe sadness… This movie is a rare combination of entertainment on offbeat ground. This is was a rare occurrence in those days. In whatever way, this movie can be watched on either view viz. to see pure Art or to get entertained. On the concept of real human philosophy, this is not a cinematic grandeur worth missing.

Good things come to those who wait but by that time all the better stuff is gone. The above quote is so true in concomitant world and the movie too gives the same message quite strongly. The movie is basically a satire on the Rabbit(Farookh) - Tortoise(Naseeruddin) story. Rajaram (Naseeruddin) successfully depicts the tortoise and Basudev (Farookh) doesn't disappoint either. But the real credit for this movie goes to the auteur- Sai Paranjpye. She builds the character so well that the story despite lack of any Indian movie spice flows smoothly. Both the protagonists have done their parts superbly. Rest of caste is used beautifully to develop the two main conflicting characters. In the end the Rabbit migrates and Tortoise wins and our story teller- Daadi Maa says "Ye bhi koi jeet hui bhala" As all tortoise gets is a bouquet of wilted flower (Used metaphorically).

I love this movie and I wish for more similar movies to be made in the future. This movie is worth watching and is so hilarious I simply adore it so much. I love the work of Farooq Shaikh, he is one of my favorite actors. The natural acting of the actors and the simplicity is what makes this movie worth watching as compare to all the commercial films that are been made today. I will recommend this movie and many more such movies to the audience and encourage the directors to make more meaningful and quality films like Katha rather than making the peppy love stories. I also recommenced the movie Chashme Buddoor featuring Farooq Shaikh and Deepti Naval which is one more hilarious movie from the same director. Thumbs up to this movie!!!