In today’s weekend blog, I am writing about a particular genre of comedy movies made by one director. Although this director has made other movies like Anari, Anuradha, Satyakam, Anand, Namak Haram, Mili, Abhimaan and many more. But no one can deny that the director HRISHIKESH MUKHERJEE gave some of the best comedy movies. Not only his movies were relatable, but were also hilarious without sleazy lines or slapstick comedy. In times, when many makers resort to sexism or misogyny to make people laugh, we can’t stop but admire Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s comedy movies. Here, I am visiting some of the finest comedies made by him, which may belong to the earlier generation, but are timeless in their humour, and are liked and loved by the present generation also.
1 Guddi 1971
This light-hearted comedy is about a young girl-Guddi (played by Jaya Bhaduri), who is obsessed with the film star Dharmendra. She is so infatuated with him that she believes he is a Superman who can do no wrong. The movie focused on this obsession with the reel world. This movie beautifully captures the journey of Guddi as she starts to distinguish between real and reel world.
2 Gol Maal 1979
Laughter riot-is the world that defines this hilarious movie. Even though Bollywood has made endless attempts to recreate the magic, it has not been successful. The brilliant storyline of non existing double role character, and with amazing performances by Amol Palekar and Utpal Dutt make it one of the finest comedy movie.
3 Chupke Chupke 1975
With the stellar performance by Dharmendra and Om Prakash who stole the show, and they were ably supported by Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bhaduri, Sharmia Tagore, and Asrani. This movie is one of the most famous romantic comedies in Bollywood. Humour in familiar situations, endearing characters and timeless music make this comedy a must-watch for all generations.
4 Khubsoorat 1980
Not just comedy, this movie had a family values too. The story focuses on a young girl (Played by Rekha) who changes the stern and sensible matriarch of family, who happens to her sister’s mother-in-law (played by Dina Pathak). Fantastic performances by both these actresses, and they were ably supported by Ashok Kumar and Rakesh Roshan.
5 Bawarchi 1972
Want to watch a comedy movie with family, but don’t know which one? Then don’t forget to watch Bawarchi-a family-oriented comedy-drama that beautifully and comically explores the highs and lows in a joint family. The movie does not rely on obscenities, crass jokes, or melodrama to get the point across and make you laugh. The performance by ensemble cast was brilliant, and the cast included Rajesh Khanna, Jaya Bhaduri, Harendranath Chattopadhya, Durga Khone, Usha Kiron, AK Hangal, and Asrani.
6 Naram Garam 1981
Just like his other family comedies like Gol Maal and Khubsoorat. Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Naram Garam is also a comedy movie of same genre. He repeated the famous pair of Gol Maal ie Amol Palekar and Utpal Dutt and both were superb, and they were ably supported by other actors. This movie offered us honest comedy gags.
7 Budha Mil Gaya 1971
This particular film was not as popular was as his other movies. But, don’t assume that it was any less funny. The tale of two men who pose as kins of wealthy elderly man for obvious reasons is full of comic potboilers and ironical twists. With Om Prakash, Deven Varma and Navim Nischal at their best, the movie is definitely a classic.
8 Rang Birangi 1983
Thereare many movies that Utpal dutt and Hrishikesh Mukherjee did together. But, it is believed that Utpal Dutt’s role in Rang Birangi as Police Officer Dhurandhar Bathwadekar is one of his finest performances. One of the best situational comedies, which focuses on rekindling dying romance in marriage. The other cast members Amol Palekar, Parveen Babi, Deepti Naval, Farooque Shaikh, and Deven Varma were also performed brilliantly.
Waiting for your feedback on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
17th May 2024