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!