Professor

It seems that I have grown fond of Shammi Kapoor's films because here I am only a few days later reviewing another one. The 1962 film Professor stars Shammi Kapoor and Kalpana in a box office hit. This film won a Filmfare award for directing and numerous nominations.

The film opens with Pritam Khanna(Kapoor), a young college graduate who struggles to find a job despite countless hours and strings pulled. On his final straw, he asks an old Professor of his for help finding a job. The professor informs him that the employer who saw his profile was impressed and ready to employ him as a tutor, given that he is an experienced man of at least 50 years. Distraught, Pritam returns to his dilapidated hut where he finds his mother ill.

After consulting with a doctor, Pritam's mother is diagnosed with tuberculosis. The prognosis is that if he wishes for his mother's survival, she must be taken to a sanatorium. Unfortunately, the cost of a sanatorium stay is more than Pritam can afford, given that he is bordering poverty. In a moment of desperation, Pritam decides that the only way in which he can save his poor mother, is to pose as an elderly man and accept the teaching position.

(In the picture below is Shammi Kapoor posing as an old man)

Upon arrival, Pritam meets his boss, Sita Devi, a stern, tyrant. Pritam is required to tutor Sita Devi's two neices and their little brothers. However, the two girls, who have already decided that they don't wish to learn from their tutor, pull every trick in the book to get rid of him. Pritam soon finds himself falling in love with Neena (Kalpana) the elder neice, and in order to have a chance, he begins appearing in his young form in order to romance her.

Pritam's double life of course causes problems as his elderly professor alias soon finds himself in a sticky situation (I don't want to ruin the surprise for you).

This is an amazing film. I find myself saying that about every single film I review, but it's the truth. Do you want me to lie to you? The number of story lines all mesh into the climax, which is obviously carried out Bollywood melodramatic style.

However, I wasn't such a big fan of the choreography in this film. While the script is excellent, the dancing is not so great. But, if I had to pick one that I did like, then this would be it.

Overall though, I love this film. My rating is 9/10 for the superb acting and great story. I highly recommend it!

And here's the version of it which I watched. It's all in one part and the subtitles are excellent and in sync throughout the entire film. Enjoy!

Junglee

Yesterday marked the one year death anniversary of Shammi Kapoor, one of the greatest actors in Bollywood and one of the pioneers of the Kapoor family. In honour of him, I decided to do a review on one his films, Junglee.

What can I say? I absolutely loved it. I'll admit, at first I was hesitant to watch this film since it was made in 1961 and I feel hesitant to watch old films because I'm not really a big fan of old Hollywood movies, but I guess old Bollywood films are fine with me. Actually, more than fine, the older the better. I haven't seen too many new age Bollywood films that I like and I think the reason is because I've found that more of the newer Bollywood films are simply Hollywood films in Hindi with Indian actors.

But back to the story of Junglee. Shekar (Kapoor) is a young man of a wealthy, aristocratic background. He is rude, heartless and too big for his boots. Shekar lives with his mother and sister, Mala. His mother too, like himself, is of a domineering personality. Though they live in a grand palatial estate, the home is void of laughter and love, save for Mala - a young and helpless romantic not yet besmirched by the cold hearted nature of family.

Mala has fallen in love with a man of lower status than herself Jeevan. When her brother is informed that Mala is having a sordid affair with someone, her brother takes her with him to Kashmir for several months. And yes, you guessed it, it is here that he meets Kashmiri beauty Rajkumari (Saira Banu). The beauty melts the beasts heart in this tale, yet ofcours it isn't as simple at that. The lovers meet several hurdles and Mala learns something shocking.

The singing and dancing is great. The acting is very good as is the film. Saira Banu is very beautiful and her acting is just as brilliant. She even won the Filmfare award for Best Actress in this film. There was one song that I loved in particular, I'll put it in below. And I absolutely adore Saira Banu's salwar kameez in this! It's so flattering on her hourglass figure. It's so beautiful!

The film was ranked no. 2 in 1961 according to boxofficeindia

Overall I would highly recommend this film. My rating, 10/10! I loved it and I'm sure you will too!

Shammi Kapoor has suddenly become one of my favourite actors, definitely breaking into the top 10. (I'm not sure whether it's because of his acting ability or those mesmorizing green eyes.)

And before I forget, here's the link to the film. It is in parts, and every part has good English subtitles that are completely in sync.