The Golden Era of Middle Class in Cinema
Bollywood as we see nowadays identifies itself with those multi crore, graphics-laden, superstar studded movies. There are very few movies that become hits because of its story, flavor, treatment, acting or characters.
But
a big BUT
There was a time when Heros used to wear Kurta Pajama, Sadri, they used to travel in buses and it was really tough for them to oppose something their elders tell them. It was the time of Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Basu Chatterjee, Sai Paranjpye and Pankaj Parashar.
They have made many movies but I am listing a few of my favorites from a big list of their masterpieces.
I love these movies because of their simplicity. The journey of the characters in these movies is so natural and still engaging that watching these movies is so refreshing and they always leave a smile on your face.
Top of the list any day, any category, any mood - ANAND
Gol Maal (new age Golmal by Shetty is S**t)
Chupke Chupke (New age one is still decent till Interval)
Khubsoorat
Kisi se na Kehna
Naram Garam
Rang Birangi
Abhimaan
Guddi
Buddha Mil Gaya
Jhooth Bole kauwa Kate - Last movie
Chhoti si Baat
Rajnigandha
Chitchor
Baaton Baaton Mein
Khatta Meetha
Hamari bahu Alka
Shaukeen
Ek Ruka Hua Faisala
Chameli Ki Shadi
Katha
Chasme Buddoor - One of my all times favourite for its Miss Chamko
Ab Ayega Maza
What I like about these movies, few examples
Anand - "Anand mara nahi, Anand marate nahi"
This one dialogue has so much impact that it will leave you in tears. Few other dialogues from this movie -
"Babumushoi, zindagi badi honi chahiye … lambi nahin"
"Hum aane waale gham ko kheench taan kar aaj ki khushi pe le aate hai… aur us khushi mein zehar ghol dete hai"
"Hum sab to rangmanch ki kathputliyan hai jinki dor upar waale ki ungliyon mein bandhi hai"
Amol Palekar - Most underrated genius. I surely hated his movies when I was a child but now I feel he is a genius. He was so good and spontaneous with his dialogue delivery in all his movies. A common man can only be represented by Mr. Palekar. No one comes near to him. No Super Star, No Big B, No Kaka
Dipti Naval - My favorite actress. She is as good as Amole Palekar for a common middle class young woman. I love her in all her movies be it Miss Chamko, Miss
Farrukh Sheikh - Very stylish, charming, Soft personality. For sure he was the best choice for all the movies he did. He fits so well to all the characters.
Utpal Dutt - Without him I dont think any of these movies would be called classics. The class of Utpal Dutt make them classics and push the Mukherjees and Basus into their league.
Art - Offices, Use of telephone, BEST buses, Peons, Lambretta Scooter, Cigarettes, Wall Clock, Restaurant visits, Havelis, Clothes (Shirt Pants, Sarees, Sadari, Coats)
All these things make me wish to go back to the late 70s and early 80s