Chashme Buddoor (1981) User Reviews (22)

Brilliant movie about the Bollywood movie

[VirginiaK_NYC · 9/10 · 15 April 2007]

This is entirely charming. A simple and amusing romantic comedy story provides the structure for a lovely movie about the conventions, tropes, whatever you would like to call them, of the Bollywood movie (i.e. popular Hindi language movies made in Bombay). The story's fun on its own, but the real anticipatory pleasure has to do with getting the jokes and looking forward to the next one.

Two of three guys sharing a room in university days have their eye on a pretty neighbor girl - the third is too serious a student to bother. You can guess which one gets the girl.

Each of the first two makes a try at getting to know her by visiting her house on some ruse. Neither succeeds - one runs away, one is beaten up by her brother - but both tell tales of their success which are picturized entirely in Bollywod "love story" conventions:

• In the first guy's story, he takes her on a romantic boatride (singing, of course), which is filmed with every Hindi movie boy-girl-boat-on-river cliché you can think of, including flights of birds, light glistening on water, cows going for a dip -- and also a non-clichéd real bite, done by the pretty teeth of Deepti Naval - and the movie lets you see the actors having fun doing it. I wonder if it was even in the script - in any event it's "actually" sexual, and so not Bollywood-y at all! --

-In the second guy's story, which culminates in a filmi-style fight of hero and random guys, at least eight very very well-known film songs are picturized, among them the main song from Mughul-E-Azam, with our guy as Dilip Kumar (costume included), and Aap Jaise Koi, with Deepti in a delirious disco setting.

And when the true couple gets together in a park in Delhi, they comment that in a movie, they'd be singing and swinging around trees - and then they do, in a third supremely terrific loving parody song. Oh, and look out for the (real) trained bear.

The two jerk roommates wreck the relationship and then have to help their friend repair it, so they contrive a situation in which he can "rescue" her the way our heroes rescue their movie heroines.

A gem of a film that has simplicity rare to find in cinema these days.

[braddugg · 8/10 · 7 September 2014]

A gem of a film that has simplicity rare to find in cinema these days.

It has a charm that is now seldom or rather not present. Look at that one scene in which the detergent Chamku is being sold. That one scene speaks volumes about how innocent and silly the ways to impress were. In a similar vein, this film has many moments that make us woo for it. The characters are affable, the dialogs are simple and the treatment is just down to earth.

Setup in an apartment are 3 friends who have to go through so many hurdles to pay their rent. A girl comes in their community and all the 3 try to woo here in their own ways. She decides who is the right one for her. All through the film, it's never boring or tiring on brain. You can simply have a smile and at times laugh out loud too. The best part indeed is that the film does not itself too seriously.

Sai Paranjpe was a brave woman director who was considered to be ahead of her times. She has extracted brilliant performances from brilliant actors. Farooq Sheikh and Deepti Naval set a precedent of brining common man stories into the film domain. They were simplistic and endearing. Chashme Baddoor stand the test of time and it is relevant even now. Most of the credit can be attributed to the writing of characters by Sai Paranjpe herself.

The characters of Omi, Jai, Siddharth and Lallan Miyan will stay etched in the memory after we have seen this. Lallan Miyan comes at few times only, but is witty and makes a mark for himself. Except Farooq, I remember others by their character names only. That's the impact this film had on me. Not to forget Neha superbly acted by Deepti Naval.

The cinematography may be age-old and simplistic, but it works. The editing is fine too, though some songs might have done away with but they add charm. Listen to Kahan Se Aaye Badra sung by Yesudas and it's wonderful.

I am going with 4/5 for this film.

Fun!

[nikhil-damodaran · 8/10 · 16 September 2013]

Again, these movies are to be visited again and again. After watching the current more complex movies, one might get off the old movies but movies like Chashme Buddoor define turning points in Bollywood History. Its hence a must watch for any cinema lover.

Just because a movie is called classical by many doesn't mean that on needs to watch it. True! But merely on the merit of this movie one could watch this movie.

The screenplay - this is about three bachelors who two of whom are pursuing their college education and the other is pursuing his masters and wants to pursue doctoral. In their search for girls, they end up getting intertwined in a comedy of errors.

The subplots confront one with the dogma of Indian male and the role of female. There are layers to the comic episodes in the movie and could be analysed in detail.

As the plot moves along, love, job and other complications make the story interesting in a funny way. You would never sit through 15 minutes in the movie and not laugh and think about it in some depth.

That's what makes this a classic and I give it an 8 on 10.

Love this movie

[rrajesh_99 · 10/10 · 21 September 2002]

Absolutely Love this movie!

I have seen it 10 times within a month! Its Hilarious, original ..reminds me of my old college days.

A must see for everyone. (Wonder why there aren't other movies like this one. I guess the closest match is Katha. If anyone can find an equivalent Hindi movie, I would love to hear about it).

The storyline, acting, direction are totally superb. . Deepti Naval and Farooq Sheikh are great. Saeed Jaffrey's acting as the paaanwaala is too good to believe. Note his typical Agra'ite language.

Another good point: You can also see the Delhi of yesteryears - how it looked like in 1981, pollution free and without the ubiquitous Maruti. Wide roads, with few people.

BRILLIANT !! a must watch.

[arvindsg · 10/10 · 16 January 2005]

this is a brilliant comedy from the 80's. A very dramatically non-dramatic story done in a manner not re-emphasizing any crux. THe movie is done in a very laid back fashion (or this is the impression it'll give you). Each character is very simply but very artistically portrayed that immediately give their own ..very candid introduction (like omi and jai's pin-up clad wall). A very simple comedy talking to the common man.

as a special note - it's easy to fall in love with Deepti Naval in this movie .. the innocent.. vulnerable.. sweet and the very 'girl next door'..who actually IS the girl next door ! also.. Delhi in late 70'z... early 80's ! if you haven't watched it already... tch tch tch.

Great Comedy

[shailley · 14 September 2001]

Sai Paranjape is one of my favourite directors. Her films always deal with situations and characters which one can easily identify with.

CB is the story of 3 bachelors. 2 of these (played by Rakesh Bedi and Ravi Baswani) spend most of their time chasing girls. The third one has a little different attitude in life and is more academically inclined.

The movie is absolutely hilarious. I liked it enough to buy a personal copy.

Fantastic Fun Treat

[nolanfincher · 10/10 · 8 January 2007]

Got to see this movie while I was surfing through the television channels. I'm not from 80s. I don't know the actors either (except Faruk & Saeed). Yet, in not more than a five Min's, I got glued to the movie. Such is the fun, the movie got.

Immediately after the movie, I ran to my system to check the actors' names. Faruk and Deepti Naval make a great pair. Awesome acting by Rakesh Bedi, Saeed & Ravi Baswani. They remind you your days of youth. (I loved the episodes involving their bike & cigarettes).

Music by Raj Kamal is excellent. Pyar Lagawat (sung by Haimanti Sukla, Shailendra Singh) and Kahan Se Aaye Badra (Haimanti Sukla, K. J. Yesudas, Shailendra Singh) are just great.

Completely shot in Delhi, this flick is all about love, friendship and fun.

Haven't seen it? Go get it, Just don't miss it.

I GIVE 10/10 for it's plentiful comedy, error free screenplay and nice acting.

Fabulous film, don't listen to the detractors

[joi_devivre · 10/10 · 2 March 2007]

I'm amazed at the tepid review given by commenter Naam Gum Jayega to this film. The commenter does not know what he's talking about, and knows nothing about Delhi in the 80s. I grew up in Delhi in the 80s and this is wonderful nostalgic little trip back to those days of wide and empty streets, lush green springs, and a leisurely life style.

Faroque and Deepti share an incredible chemistry in the movie, and Rakesh Bedi, Ravi Baswani and Saeed Jaffrey provide able support to their characters. Those who knew Delhi Doordarshan from the 80s would recognize such Delhi theatre regulars as Vinod Nagpal and Keemti Anand doing bit roles.

Simple Comedy Drama...

[ravisinger86 · 7/10 · 24 March 2014]

Chashme Buddoor Directed By Sai Paranjpe...The Same Guy Who Directed Award Winning Movie Sparsh...But This Time It's Clean Comedy ....Script Is Well Written...Screenplay Is Good...The Story Is About Three Students ...Siddhart, Omi & Jai .. At Delhi University, Who Don't Go Home During Summer Vacation ...They Stay Together...Finally A Girl Comes Into Their Life...Certainly Life Changes...Then Comic Situations Are Created ...How They Go Through Is Basic Of The Story...

Farooq Sheikh Was A Great Performer He Does Well...Two Other Fellows ...Rakesh Bedi & Ravi Baswani...Are Just Amazingly Funny ... Treat To Watch....Deepti Naval Is Fine & Saeed Jaffrey Has Done Well...

Music Is Good ....It Has The Popular Number "Kahan Se Aaye Badra" By Yesudas & Hemanti...

Overall A Good Movie ..A Must Watch...If You're Sad & Want A Smile On Your Face...:)

Good clean comedy

[hprashantarora · 10/10 · 9 February 2010]

Anyone who has ever lived with roommates and romanced an unassuming girl or, for that matter, a bespectacled bookworm would instantly claim this movie as his or her favorite. Not that the rest of the population can't enjoy it - from gangsters to musicians, to old grannies, to salesmen, to poets, to shopkeepers - everybody has something to take home from this movie.

Siddharth (Farooq Sheikh), Omi (Rakesh Bedi and Jomu (Ravi Baswani) are three Delhi University students who share an apartment and a permanent fixture on their countenance - their beloved cigarettes. Their personalities are reflected over their bed on their respective walls - Omi and Jomu wear their heart on their sleeves and have colorful cuttings of beautiful women. In contrast, Siddharth, an M. A. in economics, has photos of Gandhi and Vivekananda and doesn't take any interest in women. Their lives one day take a turn for the unexpected when Omi spots a beautiful girl in the neighborhood. Subsequently, both Omi and Jomu take their turn impressing the girl and her family, failing which they come back and paint a rosy picture to their roommates of all their good times. Ironically, the same girl Neha (Deepti Naval), turns up at their apartment as a saleswoman to sell her detergent powder. Omi and Jomu scramble to hide their faces, and it is up to Siddharth now to face his fear of talking to a woman. While he is only as right and bright as the clean towel that he hands over for her detergent demonstration, needless to say, both are smitten by each other, and their chemistry crackles on the screen.

Chashme Buddoor is not just funny because it has numerous gags, running jokes, and movie parodies - it works mainly because it takes the archetype, polishes it, and infuses it with likable and realistic characters of that of Omi and Jomu as sweet and likable loafers who address their girl chasing habit as "girl hunt," and Siddharth as a handsome but humorless geek - a quality that draws Neha to him and a fact totally lost on the other two friends, who in their envy and ignorance try to stop the spinning wheel of love. The look and feel of the movie, some may argue, looks dated. Still, compared to the natural performances, especially that of Saeed Jaffrey as Lalan Mian, it is like fussing over the old jewel box when what really matters is the box's content. Never before has a subplot in a movie been so enjoyable than that of Lalan Mian's continuous harassment of Omi and Jomu for not clearing their escalating tab of cigarettes. Their humorous banter, Lalan's indulgence in their girl hunt, and Omi's poetical deflections are a treat to watch.

Though a light romantic comedy at heart, Chashme Buddoor works on so many cinematic levels that its simplicity belies the heights it wants to achieve. On the one hand, it takes likable characters and spins a beautiful yarn around them and, on the other, makes little riffs on the film trends of the time, such as the clichéd boat ride against the background of the setting sun; singing in the park (that too in New Delhi - a city full of concupiscent people) with music coming out of nowhere, and onlookers basically making fun of the whole absurdity. On the same note, the ending is equally predictable but in spirits with any good Bollywood flick that never fails to titillate and tickle.

Good but not the best

[piyushg902 · 7/10 · 9 November 2018]

I liked the movie, Farooq Sheikh and Deepti Naval were the most underrated actors,The story rotates around 3 friends and the misunderstanding between them,Saeed Jaffery acting as a shopkeeper gave power to the movie,All the actors did their job well,A descent movie to watch.

greatest light comedy

[ankurthukral1983 · 10/10 · 2 December 2005]

characters are so real....u feel watching it again and again....everyone Farouque, Ravi Basvani, Rakesh Bedi, Saeed Jaffery and Deepti Naval are fantastic. i will buy this one definitely.."a collector's item". a very light hearted movie minus all typical billowed masala. i wonder why such kind of movies are not made regularly. yes we do have Priyadarshan making some good comedy movies but its only him..sick and tired of watching David Dhawan type of comedies. in the film, specially the chemistry between Ravi Basvani and Rakesh Bedi was awesome. i don't know why these two actors were simply wasted by the film industry. i wished i could have watched some more movies starring them. yup Ravi Basvani also starred in another classic comedy Jane Bhi do Yaaron..that movie further proves his capabilities.

Three Bachelors in a Room

[pleasespamme · 5/10 · 30 July 2005]

Its a story of three bachelor students living in a shared room, their antics with girls and a love story. The movie is indeed humorous but unfortunately, in patches. The humorous parts relate to the day to day life of a student living in shared quarters. But that part of the movie feels more like a filler, with main focus on the love story. Sadly, on occasions even the humorous portions feel forced, needlessly long drawn and lacking subtlety. And the love story itself is ordinary at best.

Rakesh Bedi and Ravi Vaswani are not bad actors in themselves but in this movie they are completely out of touch. Even Farrukh Sheikh and Saeed Jaffery are far from at their best.

Overall, its not a movie I'll see twice. Its the kind which makes you feel sorry, in the sense that it could have been much better.

Don't look for any nostalgic scenes from Delhi of 80s either..there are none!

Funny in a subtle way

[silvan-desouza · 8/10 · 13 March 2014]

There were some classic comedies in films like Khoobsurat(1980), Chashme Badhoor too is one of them,The film had a small cast of Farooque Sheikh, Rakesh Bedi and Ravi Bhaswani. Made on a small budget yet the film is very delightful, be it the camaraderie between friends, their bonding over cigarrete, The Chamko scene, The romance between Deepti Naval and Farooque and the entire confusion which is sorted in the end

Direction Sai Paranjpye is amazing Music is decent

All three actors are simply fab, Farooque Sheikh was simply amazing in his role, making it look relatable, Deepti Naval is good, Ravi Bhaswani is always brilliant in comedies, Rakesh Bedi too is amazing Saeed Jaffrey has a cameo as the cigarrete shop owner, Amitabh and Rekha have a cameo, while rest are good

it makes us happy, makes us love, makes us good

[pratapmouli · 10/10 · 11 February 2007]

It's 1:48 am and i am seeing the movie for the first time and still it's just 90 min into the movie. I knew that this movie was a great one as heard from TV shows etc. but i don't know who the actors are or what the story line is. I am a great fan of Farooq and Naval, i love this one absolutely. The good heartiness with a little bit of selfishness of the good old real Indians is depicted beautifully. I am reminded of another great one "Bazaar". Farooq and Naval I feel did not receive the recognition they should always had had. Naseer of their generation got duly that distinction. Khosla k ghosla of recent genre is one of this kind. Ghulam is also one, Dil hain ke manta nahin, Yes Boss, Munna Bhai, Dor.

Excellent Film which makes u feel u too r in the movie.....

[thiru-dinesh · 9/10 · 7 September 2006]

As my Summary says, this film is too good and extremely natural... with its plot, acting, surroundings, situational comedy etc etc... that u feel u r with them in their neighborhood watching all this...

I have seen some serials of Sai Paranjpe on DD, but never heard of this movie though... Even though i used to live in Bombay those days.. don't know why i missed this... Is it a Hit??? should have been... it was those days when those stage actors like Ravi vaswani, rakesh bedi, Ompuri, nasserudding shah, M.K.Raina,Sonia Razdan, Ajit Vachani and the great Pankaj Kapoor aka Karamchand, of course Syed jaffrey, satish shah use to give such wonderful films... u all must have seen Jaane be do yaaroon... a gem of a film known for its Black comedy...

Coming to CB, it has limited back ground score and no lengthy over-the-top dialogue... but still story keeps pace in its own way and takes some turns towards the end... i liked everyone 's acting even the waiter who serves Tooti-fruity...;-)

Although u always knew that the kidnappers about whom the paper goes on writing about in various parts of the movie, are going to show their faces.. and the end was a bit very filmy....

Sai Paranjpe should have made many such films... don't know if she has...intelligent Director....

Also it shows the calm life of those days as the other member has quoted... empty wide streets and calm and easy going life... Easy going jobs... No IPODS, CELL PHONES.. >:-(0)

if had not been for the clichéd climax where hero saves the heroine and Syed Jaffrey ending up form nowhere... why there has to be climax chaos in such comedy movies no one knows....i would have given this film a 10/10...

Syed Jaffrey's relationship with the 3 friends was kinda cute... Liked his performance...

Deepti Naval was a bit OK and to the point... Liked Farooq though...was very good....

Most of the comical situations like the girl Ravi vaswani drops (actually is Sai paranjpe or her daughter!!!!... one of them) turns out to be some other guys GF.... must have been new at those days.. very innovative... yet simple...

There u have it. A very Fresh, Innovative, Simple, Unassuming, Comical story which gives u the feeling why such films are not made often... we could give so called natural Hollywood movies a run for their money...

2 more movies i would like to bring to notice are . 1) this film name i do not remember but it has Raj babbar holding Pallavi Joshi as hostage...can anyone tell me the name??? 2) Khamosh - http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0089413/ - excellent thriller.. Many will be shocked to see Vidhu Vinodh chopra had so much talent at such a young age....

thats it....

Put Your Specs On

[Chrysanthepop · 18 September 2009]

Though slow in pace, 'Chashme Buddoor' has a certain charm and tells the story of the common people. The characters are easily relatable and their situations, though at times a bit exaggerated, are identifiable. The problem is the over-the-topness, especially at the end, what with the kidnap-followed-by-fight sequence. The comedic scenes work well, especially the parody songs mostly because opf the comic timing of Ravi Baswani and Rakesh Bedi. The other songs are a mixture ranging from passable to decent. The song visualized on the three friends running round the street is abysmal. Sai Paranjape's sincerity reflects in the movie even though, in my opinion, this is not her best work. Farooq Shaikh and Deepti Naval form a cute pair. Shaikh has a certain naivety and humbleness one can associate themselves with and Naval is absolutely vivacious. However, with their natural comic timing, Baswani and Bedi are the scene stealers. 'Chashme Buddoor' is a decent watch. Some editing could have tightened the pace and made it a more enjoyable experience but it's still a fun watch.

Light-hearted Entertainment

[Jini-B · 8/10 · 20 April 2020]

Definitely one of the most popular romantic-comedies produced by Bollywood, this seems both like a parody of certain Bollywood cliches, and a tribute to Bollywood itself. There are certain over-the-top moments, some melodrama, but underneath it all, it is what it is- a funny, light-hearted film that will make you smile.

Farooq Sheikh and Deepti Naval have a lovely onscreen chemistry. There is a very clean and pure vibe to their relationship in the movie, and it is so beautiful to watch. Rakesh Bedi and Ravi Baswani are funny as two wannabe womanizers. Their account of their interaction with Deepti Naval's character was very funny, and was a parody of many iconic Bollywood scenes.

The music is good, topped by Kahan Se Aaye Badra which is a beautiful, beautiful song that I am going to keep humming for the rest of the week. This was a feel-good movie that is definitely going to win hearts for a long time to come.

Simplicity

[IPyaarCinema · 8/10 · 22 January 2022]

Review By Kamal K

Two womanizers, Omi and Jai are trying hard to woo their beautiful neighbour. But the girl instead falls for their shy roommate Siddharth. Now the two guys will do anything to split the lovebirds just so that their secrets dont get revealed.

Even after four decades, Chashme Buddoor stands out for its genuineness, honest storytelling and an engaging yet simple approach to filmmaking. Puerile attempts made by some filmmakers to copy it have failed ignominiously. The original remains fresh and unmatchable, evoking enduring nostalgia and romance.

Chashme Buddoor is the magic that Sai Paranjpye created. It is worth watching for its simplicity.

One of the best RomComs of Bollywood

[sauravjoshi85 · 9/10 · 27 February 2021]

Chashme Buddoor is a Romantic Comedy movie directed by Sai Paranjpye and stars Late Farooq Shaikh, Deepti Naval, Late Ravi Baswani, Rakesh Bedi and Late Saeed Jaffrey.

Wow what a beautiful and entertaining movie which feels like a fresh and cold breeze of air in a hot summer. This movie has all the ingredients to keep a smile on your face throughout the movie with laughter in between.

The plot of the movie is simple, predictable yet entertaining and with a superb execution will keep you glued to the screen throughout the movie, the theme of the movie is light and probably it goes in the favor of the movie.

Acting is great and all the characters were great but I would like to specifically mention the name of Late Baswani as he was spot on on his acting debut and no one can believe that this is debut movie. Deepti Naval was very cute and bubbly, Late Farooq Shaikh was stupendously superb in his character. Rajat Bedi, Late Jaffrey were equally impressive.

Screenplay of the movie is great and will keep you glued to the screen throughout the movie. There are very small and ignorable flaws in the movie which neither disturbs the pace of the movie nor creates any deviation from it's plot.

Climax of the movie is remarkably great and entertaining. This is one of a kind of movie which will not only entertains you but will also gives a feel good feeling. A must watch.

Timeless classic

[akashruhela · 10/10 · 14 January 2024]

"Chashme Buddoor" is a timeless classic that seamlessly weaves comedy, romance, and friendship. The film's witty dialogues, charismatic performances, and soulful music make it a delightful watch. The chemistry between the lead characters is heartwarming, and the plot's lightheartedness is complemented by its genuine emotional moments. Director Sai Paranjpye crafts a narrative that stands the test of time, ensuring "Chashme Buddoor" remains an enduring gem in the realm of Indian cinema.

Furthermore, the film's picturesque portrayal of Delhi adds an authentic charm, serving as a visual treat for the audience. The humor, often subtle yet brilliant, resonates across generations, making it a movie that families can enjoy together. "Chashme Buddoor" not only captures the essence of youthful exuberance but also explores the complexities of relationships in a refreshingly relatable manner. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke laughter, tug at heartstrings, and leave a lasting imprint on the viewer's cinematic experience.

Aurangzeb, Aristotle, Ghalib.

[kaminnisreeram · 10/10 · 19 October 2020]

A huge round of applause for Sai ji and her entire team for this delightful comedy that completes four decades. Excellent casting with witty dialogues and beautiful Delhi setting gives a perfect setting to this light hearted romcom. This was pre Dil Chahta Hai era but bromance is unmissable in carefully crafted personalities of friends. Friendship, romance, engaging banter hold this classic till date. Two lovely songs are popular till date - Kaha se aaye badra, Kaali Ghodi dwaar ghadee.