Gone are the days when comedy was fun without being slapstick, it was a delight to watch a heroine perform effortlessly. Watching this breezy comedy one can easily deduce where Shammi Kapoor got his inspiration from for the sudden change in acting style, which came about with “Tumsa Nahin Dekha”, after all those years of lacklustre performances. It was obviously from wife Geeta Bali’s flamboyant, free style at the fag end of her career and with whom he had starred in some flops. She is the lifeline of the film, a delight to watch. Although she went on to work in another seven films, this was her last good outing. One of her finest performances.
Farooq Kaiser churned out lyrics relying on word ‘twist’ which has now become the hallmark of mainstream cinema, but sadly no one to match composer Roshan’s genius. Based on a screenplay by Krishan Chander it was directed by Mohammed Husain, essentially maker of stunt movies, with 43 flops to his discredit. The really poignant, even pun intended social comment by the former interspersed with funny, naughty lines (“Kadki tera naam clerki, Sach kehta hai Johnny Walker Oh Daata de humko bhi ek pyara bangle”) and even serious lyrics (“Saari saari raat teri yaad sataye, Bedardi nazar milake kah de kya hai teri marzi”) by the team led by Farooq Kaiser (he also assisted in direction) and supported by Prem Dhawan, Shailendra, and Usha Khanna were set to situational and appropriate mood music by the incomparable composer of melodies, Roshan.
A smash hit with an assembly of comedians in guest appearances, in many ways it is a film about films, a spoof, satire, reflection – all rolled into one. Sleek and fast paced, the narrative substantially relies on the acting prowess of Geeta Bali as Geeta, a poor jobless fun loving girl who likes to dance away her troubles. She goes on to become a huge star amply supported by a senior neighbour, Johnny Walker as Chandu, a good hearted pick-pocket, a friend, philosopher, guide to the tomboy. The lead player, Suresh as Suresh largely runs through the narrative poker or grumpy-faced.
Deploying a casual style of gradually unfolding the narrative which does not allow the flow of events to slacken, it depicts the rise of Geeta to stardom through a series of blunders. In contrast, it presents a madly-in-love with her and theatre Suresh, who prefers to forgo an inheritance to pursue his interests.
The scriptwriter, the great storyteller, Krishan Chander uses the then familiar devise: the vamp and her accomplice connive that leads to distancing of lovers, with the hero drowning himself in alcohol to unsuccessfully override depression. Having separated the lovers, the replaced heroine (Shammi) now plots to get Geeta killed in an outdoor shoot, but Suresh gets to hear it and rushes to save his beloved, having also, in the meantime, discovered that she had actually adored him.
Produced by F.C. Mehra under the banner of Eagle Films with cinematography by Shriram Malaya, choreography by Krishna Kutty, Satyanarayan, Raj Kumar and Badri Prasad, editing by Mohammed Husain and K.V. Bhadsavale were the other credit.
It was one of the three (ranked at no. 13 in the list, businesswise) big comedies of the year together with “Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi” and “Dilli Ka Thug”.
