Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra and Sharmila Tagore
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors in Bollywood earned praise of Amitabh Bachchan. Following his rise to fame amid the 1970’s, Bachchan has transformed in a legendary Bollywood icon. Whether it’s inspiring teachers, frustrated fathers or patriotic leaders, Bachchan has played many strong characters. Arguably, Bachchan’s best strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare Indian actors that has always had strong presence which has elevated every movie he is in. Through his capabilities to create characters which audience can easily relate to, Bachchan has become a celebrated Bollywood icon that audiences value. Although he is best known for roles in Bollywood, Bachchan has proven he excels in every genre. Despite reaching an age of retirement, Bachchan has never lost long lasting passion for entertainment. Throughout his illustrious career, Bachchan has produced countless movies which are absolutely worth talking about without any doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Bachchan and adore the movies he has made in his career. However, “Chupke Chupke” definitely stands out as being his funniest movie. Released in 1975, Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s movie provided a comical portrait of con-artists. Packed with breathtaking production, strong storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best comedies ever made in India. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance from Amitabh Bachchan, who embodies a strong professor facing tensions. Ultimately, what makes “Chupke Chupke” a timeless classic is its appeal. Unlike most Indian comedies produced in the 1970’s which are outdated today, it has aged beautifully. A captivating Bollywood comedic classic, there are many strong reasons why “Chupke Chupke” is a movie worth watching.
“Chupke Chupke” tells the story of a teacher that engages in con-artist crimes that have a price to pay. Amitabh Bachchan portrays Professor Sukumar Sinha, a larger than life teacher that works at a prestigious college in India. Sinha has always been focused on his work leaving little time for other things in life. However, Sinha’s life changes when he engages in a con-artist crime that causes disaster. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Sinha questions whether it’s truly possible to become a successful professor. Faces with a dilemma, Sinha questions his abilities to become a successful professor in India.
Hrishikesh Mukherjee is fascinated with the comedy genre. A fantastic Indian filmmaker, Mukherjee has often made engaging movies in the comedy genre. His movie “Bawarchi” offered a comical portrait of a cook working for family. With “Chupke Chupke”, however, Mukherjee made his first ever educational satire. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the hardships faced by professors facing adversity, but he succeeded. Using strong cinematography, Mukherjee captures a professor embarking on a journey to find his identity. Inspired by Mike Nichols’ “The Graduate”, Mukherjee effectively employs montages to capture graduate professors that face scandals. For instance, montages elevate the master in disguise scene. During this funny scene, Dr. Parimal dresses up as a driver to fool his neighbour. Using strong montages, Mukherjee creates a portrait of con-artists that’s compelling. Montages are tricky techniques. As Karan Johar’s “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” suggested, montages elevate Bollywood films about dysfunctional families. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this film. Using stunning visuals, Mukherjee captures tensions broken Indian families are facing.
Another strong aspect of “Chupke Chupke” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the best Bollywood comedies you will ever see. Mukherjee expertly uses costumes to show the transformations of masters in disguise. Throughout the movie, Dr. Parimal’s clothes showcase his transformations into a driver. For instance, costumes enhance the driving scene. During this hilarious scene, Parimal dresses up as a driver in disguise. Through stunning costumes, Mukherjee constructs a portrayal of con-artists which is compelling. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. It gives the film tense atmosphere capturing the hardships which con-artists bear. Using captivating production, Mukherjee captures con-artists that experience tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Chupke Chupke” is a Bollywood comedy that’s engaging. The film is exceptionally well-written, and effectively uses dramatic monologues to capture tension con-artists are enduring. For instance, the monologues elevate the con-artist crime scene. During this unforgettable scene, Dr. Parimal gives a monologue showcasing his involvements in con-artist crime. Through bold monologues, Mukherjee creates a portrait of professors that audiences can relate to. Monologues are complex techniques to use in movies. As Aditya Chopra’s “Mohabbatein” suggested, monologues elevate Bollywood films about college. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a fantastic screenplay, Mukherjee captures professors that face a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Amitabh Bachchan delivers one of his best career performances as Professor Sinha. Bachchan first earned appreciations for playing criminals in classic Bollywood films. With “Chupke Chupke”, however, he took on his most comedic role. It isn’t easy to play a professor that engages in reckless activity but he succeeds tremendously. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and utterly hilarious in his funniest role. With riveting expressions, he captures the bravery, grief and reckless spirit of a professor. It’s a bold performance from one of the most commemorated actors in Bollywood today.
While the movie is primarily a showcase for Bachchan, the supporting cast is amazing and worthy of recognition. Dharmendra is dazzling, bringing charisma to a crooked man that engages in con-artist crimes that cause trauma. Sharmila Tagore is superb, bringing authority to a woman that people adore. Lastly, Jaya Bachchan is worthy of appreciation. As a conflicted mother, she is unforgettable.
Finally, “Chupke Chupke” would earn praise of everyone for capturing professors which are in India today. Unlike most Bollywood movies made in the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully. The film discusses strong themes including mental health, education and crime which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with Indian culture to enjoy it. Therefore, “Chupke Chupke” is one of those rare Bollywood comedies that everyone will adore.
Fans of Amitabh Bachchan will absolutely enjoy “Chupke Chupke” and so will movie-goers seeking meaningful entertainment. A captivating Bollywood comedy, it celebrates an actor with a lasting legacy.
Nearly 50 years following the release of a groundbreaking Bollywood movie about a professor engaging in crimes that cause a disaster, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor with a charismatic nature that has created unforgettable movies throughout his career audiences treasure.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 