SpuffyWeb Sadly Over-hyped

ReaderKenka Let's be realistic.

Geraldine The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

Staci Frederick Blistering performances.

Karun Kumar It is yet another great movie by the legendary director.A priceless gem directed by Hrishida.Rajesh Khanna simply mesmerizes everyone with his performance.The acting by Rajesh Khanna is itself worth the price of the movie.The story is great with a very nice twist in the climax.Enough talking about this film, just go and watch it.Trust me, you are not going to regret it.P.S.:-If you like Hrishida's films you can also watch Anand. Sometimes I really wonder if India is ever, ever going to get a great director like Hrishida ! I really hope it gets !

ateeqimran If ever fairy tales were told in poetic and yet mesmerizing way than this is definitely one among them.The word 'magician' in my title could apply to Hrishikesh Mukherji definitely but also to Rajesh Khanna. Aah.. what an actor!.This is undoubtedly one of Mr.Mukherji's best. You can feel the Bengali warmth all over it.It's subtle and yet so clear, it's humorous and yet so sentimental.It's a story about a cook who changes not only the tastes of the house but also the hearts.Now here is a movie u feel deserved an Oscar... but who cares? It's truly a world's loss. But then you can't blame the Oscar jury... nothing much was done in the past to promote Indian cinema on an International standard.This is a movie you can proudly refer and no such luck for the movies that are being churned out now.

Azeema Faizunnisa If you have low tolerance for Bollywood, and you think Bollywood is just all about cheesy, loud and lewd movies, than it means that you are not aware of the rare gems the Indian film industry has produced in the last 50 something years. And this film is one of such gems. I haven't seen, "Anand" the most popular film of Rishida, but I have seen Bawaichi 3 times and every time it leaves me with the sad reality that how come the Western world has not discovered movies like this. The film revolves around the relationship of a family and their new cook, played superbly by Rajesh Khanna. I don't want to go much into the details of the story of the film and cinamatic mastery of Rishida, but in short this film could be described as excellent in every aspect. If you are a fan of Indian 'art' films, than this a must see for you!

Philip Banerjee This is a truly classic Indian film, and a fitting showcase to the substantial talents of it director, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, who shows how a masterpiece can be produced on a small budget.Shot almost exclusively inside the Sharma household, this film explores the tensions and rivalries within the Sharma family, and how their domestic problems quite literally bring them to their knees. Into this house of discontent steps a man with answers to their problems and a lot more. How can a cook be so smart? What is his agenda? Who is this man? The acting in a very strong cast is first class, and without weakness. Rajesh Khanna steals the show though with a brilliant, amusing lead role as the loquacious Bawarchi. At that time (1972) he was the darling of the Indian cinema and women wrote letters in their own blood to him, such was his appeal, and this film showcases his immense talent. Rajesh Khanna's performance is one of great depth: his facial expressions, delivery and mannerisms are skilfully never overplayed, none more so than when he utters in English "It is simple to be happy, but it is difficult to be simple". Whether it be a comic or serious sad scene, Jaya Badhuri, as Krishna, perfectly conveys the uncertainties of a complex, sensitive young woman and captures her emotions beautifully to show just what a fine actress she is. A.K.Hangal amuses as the kindly Uncle who likes a quiet tipple and makes a fine double act with his screen brother. Harendranath Chatopadhay's performance as grandfather is authentic and very enjoyable. All this is underpinned with strong direction, and creative screenplay: the beautifully crafted entry of the Bawarchi through the morning mist into the chaotic proceedings being a personal highlight. Overall the delivery of the Gulzar's punchy dialogue has the required pace to make Bawarchi work. Either all these actors are adept at this and/or Mukherjee and his direction team are experts in achieving it.Bawarchi can inspire a mixture of emotions: from sadness to joy. Whether you understand Hindi or not, it's a film that you can go back to and still enjoy again and again, and that is the mark of genius.