Rollercoaster Ride. Review on Padosan

Today morning, I decided to go to Fantasy World with friends. I had made up my mind to enjoy myself on the rollercoaster. But the day began with the rain god pouring down with all His fury. Nothing else to do, and holed up in my house, I thought I may as well write some review on Mouthshut. So here goes:

There are some films which have a market with any generation. These films are enjoyed in the 21st century with the same enthusiasm by which they were watched 40-50 years ago. We call these films immortal films.

The year 1968 saw the debut of one such film in the form of a comedy- Padosan.

BRIEF HISTORY

This may be news for many. Padosan was not an original plot. This plot was first seen in 1952, as a Bengali film Pasher Bari, filmed by Sudhir Mukherjee. The story was adapted the very next year by the Telugu film maker C.Pullaiah and was released as Pakkinti Ammayi. In 1960, the tamil version emerged in the form of Raghavaiah's Adutha Veetu Penn.

The 1960s saw the rise of a comedian named Mehmood in the Hindi film industry. Mehmood's popularity soared to such heights that the main lead actors started refusing offers if Mehmood was taken as the comedian. They somehow felt that Mehmood took all the accolades. This career crisis forced Mehmood to launch his own films, and he fell back on this thrice made plot.

Padosan arrived!

THE PLOT

A simpleton, Bhola is committed to celibacy, which his reference book advises him to practice between age 0 to age 25. One fine day, he realizes that he has become 26 years old and looks forward to the next 25-year chapter in his life(as per the book)- Matrimony. The butterflies-in-the-heart feeling evolves with his sighting the ultra modern girl Bindu. The first meeting between the two is quite dampening for our Bhola, as Bindu throws him in the water. As luck would have it, Bhola has a tiff with his mama(maternal uncle), and comes to stay with his mami, who stays away from her husband due to his wandering ways. This is when Bhola realizes that the house just opposite his mami's house has been occupied by none other than Bindu.

And so starts Bhola's attempts to woo his heart's desire. Supported by his friends, who have a drama company, Bhola wins his love, much against his two rivals- his own mama and Bindu's dance master.

This in short, is the plot of Padosan.

MEMORABLE SCENES

There are many memorable scenes in this classic. One can never forget the scene where the friends plan Bhola's moves. The leader of the clan Guru, an accomplished singer, decides to teach Bhola the intricacies of music, so that he can compete with the dance master. This scene is a masterpiece. The shot where Guru asks Bhola to sing in a lower note by saying ''Neeche se'', and Bhola taking the literal meaning, sits down on the floor, still evokes laughter in the audience.

One more scene that will remain etched in the viewer's mind is the scene where Bhola follows Bindu and the dance master in a garden, with a raised palm, to slap Bindu after being advised by his troop of friends.

In fact, the film itself is memorable, and if I start writing all the memorable scenes, I may end up writing the film.

THE PANCHAM TOUCH

Normally, I just write a single line giving the credits of a film. But in this case, I will make an exception. R.D.Burman's music is one of the biggest scoring points of this film. The soundtrack consists of 7 songs. Trivia seekers may be interested to know that the runaway hit Mere saamne wali khidki mein had in fact two versions. The one which was not included was a slower version of the original, beautifully rendered by Kishore Kumar. Luckily, I have the gem in my collection.(P.S.-You can find it in the twin CD pack named Tumse Milke, released by HMV, I think!)

The songs, other than being melodiously composed by the maestro, have been beautifully picturised by the director. The most hilarious period of the film was a 20 minute sequence which had three songs, namely Mere saamne wali khidki mein, Ek Chatur naar and Mere Bhole Balam. The sheer picturisation makes it a joy for the eyes. The superb music blesses your ears. The laughter soothes your soul.

The other tracks in the film are a comedy song Vaango vaango, a highly melodious Bhai Battoor, a classical gem Sharm aati hain magar and the bubbly picnic song Main chali main chali.

OTHER CREDITS

The film was directed by Jyoti Swaroop and has been produced by N.C.Sippy.

Sunil Dutt convincingly enacts the simpleton Bhola. Saira Banu looks sweet as Bhola's obsession Bindu. Ably supported by other actors like Agha, Om Prakash, Mukhri, Keshto Mukherjee and Sundar, the film is a fun ride.

But the cake is definitely taken by Kishore Kumar as Guru and none other than Mehmood as the dance master. Mind-blowing performances by the two greats!

On the technical side, the lyrics, screenplay and dialogues are by Rajendra Krishn and the cinematography is by K.H.Kapadia.

IN CONCLUSION

The rains have still not stopped. So I am just going to have a hot cup of coffee, put on my Padosan VCD on the player.....and enjoy my rollercoaster ride of fun!

Cheers!