Just a few words (Baton Baton Mein)

What is it with men and marriage? Why are they so scared of tying the knot? They are so ecstatic romancing the pretty damsel, but when it comes to settling down with her, they would love to be far far away... Well, in most cases that is...

Tony Braganza faces the same dilemma. And, to make matters worse, he is being prodded by Rosie Perreira, an overtly anxious widow, who wants to see her daughter happily settled in life. He loves Nancy Perreira all right, but having the overbearing motormouth Rosie, as a mother-in-law, is daunting for sure. So, Tony keeps procrastinating...

Basu Chatterjee's Baton Baton Mein is similar to his earlier Khatta Meetha on two counts. It deals with a mother's anxiety over her daughter's marriage (even Nargis had sleepless nights over Frenny's marriage, remember?). And, it stars the inimitable Pearl Padamsee. Just focus on her antics and this light-hearted 1979 comedy will become doubly enjoyable.

While Khatta Meetha is the story of a Parsi family, this film focuses on the lives of some Anglo-Indians living in Mumbai. It is their hopes, idiosyncrasies and aspirations that make this film so special. The best part is, this family could be living in your neighbourhood. So everyday are their problems and so dear are their moments of bliss. Sweet simple characters who make you laugh and cry with them. Yes, Baton Baton Mein is a slice of life again, from the talented Chatterjee.

Nancy is introduced to Tony in a local train while going from Bandra to Churchgate by her dear uncle Tom (David). Tony, a cartoonist on probation, is instantly attracted to the pretty girl and even expresses a desire to meet her family. On hearing about Tony, Nancy's mother is overjoyed. What better a news than that of a prospective son-in-law? She immediately weaves dreams of Nancy's marriage with Tony. Padamsee's peepers are perfect windows to her mind. As Nancy tells her about Tony, Padamsee's eyes widen with expectations. To the extent of starting to shine! She tidies up the house and decorates a basket with a large variety of fruits which she is determined to feed Tony with! And then as soon as she hears that he draws just Rs 300 per month, her state is like that of a deflating balloon. Sinking to the ground rapidly, after a sudden ascent! She tells Nancy, "Bus teen sau, tujhey to saat sau milti hain!" You can sense her irritation almost. But wait till Tony tells her that this Rs 300 will escalate to 1,000 when he is made permanent. Wait till those peepers start shining again!!

Then there is the violin-obsessed Saby played by Ranjit Chowdhry. He is remarkable. It's so funny how he simply saunters into the room playing a melancholic tune on his violin every time his mother and sister are having an argument and when Nancy, his sister, and her boyfriend are exchanging sweet nothings in the room. His mother is fed up repeating that this violin will get him no where. But, Saby is not bothered. He just is too indifferent. And adorable with his quirky sense of humour.

You actually sympathize with Rosie for driving her children up the wall at times. A widow with two children to support, only she knows her worries. She just wants Saby to do well in life and Nancy to get married. She gets really scared when Nancy's frivolous friend is almost trying to hijack Tony. And, that Tony is enjoying eating grapes from her hand doesn't help either. Even Nancy is upset with Tony's extra friendly show towards her friend. Soon, matters are back to where it started. Nancy and Tony distance themselves from each other and Rosie is back to searching suitable grooms for her lovely daughter, played by the attractive Tina Munim. She summons for Philomena Aunty (Leela Mishra) to help her!!

There is Henry of course. But, Rosie doesn't find him agreeable. For, he does not earn enough! This mousy guy from the neighbourhood loves Nancy but doesn't muster enough courage to tell her. What is this predicament? Nancy's life is full of men who are either commitment-phobic or are too scared to propose her. So, are Rosie's worries irrational?

Even though she tries telling Tony's mother that Nancy and Tony are in love (in a hilarious movie-hall sequence), matters turns for the worse. Tony's mother is least interested to get Tony married now and in irritated with Rosie falling all over her. Situations simply get too knotted and out of control before the protagonists start listening to the call of their heart. See what happens...

Padamsee is inexplicably good and so is Amol Palekar as Tony. He portrays his vacillating personality so well. Looking quite different with a French beard and spectacles, he convinces with his effortless performance. David is endearing as Uncle Tom. Tina Munim looks lovely but her dialogue delivery as usual, drab and monotonous.

This romantic comedy is spiced up by some lovely songs, composed by Rajesh Roshan. Kahiye suniye is a sweet romantic ditty. As Nancy and Tony walk with each other, one can see how they are falling in love. There is no extraordinary flourish in their overtures but as they talk and exchange sweet nothings, their hearts are merging.

Uthey sab ke kadam (inspired from Polly Wolly Doodle) is fun, especially for Leela Mishra's expressions. They are rib-ticklishly awesome. Na boley tum (copied from When Johnny Comes Marching_Home), sung in a restaurant is quite okay, too.

This film might look similar to Khatta Meetha. It has the same sensibilities and expressions. But watch it. For, it has a certain subtlety that's refreshing. Relationships can be so sweet, yet so poignant. Comedy can be so fine. Acting can be so natural and love can be so understated. If not for all this, watch Baton Baton Main for Pearl Padamsee. She is the scene stealer here...