The truth of life (Asli Naqli)

There is seldom anything wrong with the films made by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Even when he was yet to dabble with wholesome comedy, he was making films that were sweet, simple and sensitive. His characters were immensely likable, his narrative was crease-free and his stories were absolutely enthralling. It is hard not to enjoy films such as Anupama. And, the same can be said about the beautiful film called Asli Naqli, a joyful enterprise about life and love...

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A good looking adventure (Jhinder Bondi)

I believed that Bengali filmmakers cannot make adventurous flicks. I thought that they tread safe paths. I knew that Bengali film was sweet, soft and sensitive, devoid of the drama and intrigue mostly seen in Hindi and English films. I was more used to the actors wearing the simple shirt and trousers, or maybe a dhoti kurta. The women hardly had much of a choice barring the gorgeous sari. If the director was really ambitious he made the girl wear a salwar kurta, considered to be a bold fashion statement. Even when kings and queens were being dealt with they were not as gallant or swashbuckling.

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The perfect Parineeta

Here's reason why sometimes it's sacrilege to remake a classic that has stood the test of time. When I saw Ajoy Kar's Parineeta, I realised how hollow and OTT the Pradeep Sarkar film is. How inappropriate is the depiction of the characters in the new-age romance and how absolutely simple yet stunning the 1969 film is. Kar is as faithful to the Sarat Chandra classic, as Lalita is to her book version and Shekhar to his literary avatar. In short, the old Bengali film is flawless, marvellous and a must-watch for those who crave for golden oldies...

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Rollicking romance (Deya Neya)

 I've had a very juvenile belief since I was really small. I believe that if you do something on the first day of the year, you'll keep doing that for the entire year. So, ever since we were children, I made sure that my parents took me out for goodies at a pastry shop on January 1 every year. I made sure that I wore great clothes on this day when I was an adolescent. I made sure to be happy no matter what on this day, with the hope that happiness will reside in my abode the rest of the year. I made sure not to touch books to the utter displeasure of my parents. I made sure not to sulk over anything. And I made sure of many other things!! Children and their wishful thinking, you see...

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Crafty Kanhaiya (Bharosa)

This films stands solely on its story. It's engaging, freewheeling and full of attractive moments. Even though a bit melodramatic, like all K Shankar classics, Bharosa is very believable and in parts funny. And yes, it has Kanhaiyalal, the Parsi actor who made every role his second skin. Here, as the scheming foster father, Kanhaiyalal is a revelation. He enthralls, extracts irritation and giggles at the same time. An apt instance of a brilliant character actor!!

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What the original was not (Prem Patra)

Here is a film that beats its original hands down. I'd never thought I would point fingers at a Uttam Kumar - Suchitra Sen classic. But, Agragami's Sagarika is so killingly boring that any tepid film of that age would be a better option any day. So, when I accidentally discovered that Bimal Roy's underrated classic Prem Patra is but a Hindi remake of Sagarika, I sat down to watch it with trepidation, expecting the usual tedious drama. But lo! This small film engages with its charming cast, lovely songs, easy narrative and an execution that is way, way better... 

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Not an ideal husband (Chaudhvin ka Chand)

And I hear that this M Sadiq triangular love story was such a roaring success that it pulled Guru Dutt out of the slumps after his Kaagaz ke Phool failed to click. For, apart from some snatches there is hardly anything convincing about Chaudhvin ka Chand, set in 1960's Lucknow. Yes, the songs are marvellous and the lead cast is brilliant. But the severely flawed character of Aslam really broke my heart. Or should I say, tried my patience...

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