Chhoti Si Baat

It was a perfect Sunday I always wanted to spend. Sitting lazily on the couch and watching an old film from 70s. I am a big fan of Basu Chatterji and his style of film making. That’s why I chose to watch “Chhoti Si Baat” starring Amol Palekar, Vidya Sinha, Ashok Kumar and Asrani. Chhoti si Baat was released in mid seventies when most of us were not even born.

Chhoti Si Baat is a story of Amol Palekar a middle class bachelor who works in a private firm. He is very shy and low on confidence. Following the tradition of his company of doing love marriages by all its employees, he also falls in love with a girl (Vidya Sinha). The girl he sees everyday at a bus stop, in bus and en-route to his office. He follows her everyday but is damn scared of talking to her. Vidya takes notice of this and also start liking him. But the problem is how to start a conversation? After an incident he collects all his courage and starts conversation with her. Here enters Asrani, friend of Vidya. Amol finds him Kabab mei haddi because he a street smart guy and expert in all the fields. Now starts a series of hilarious situations between these three where Asrani shows his smartness and how he makes Amol feel jealous. After loosing all hopes to get Vidya and express his love, he goes to take lessons for personality development from retired army major Ashok Kumar. Rest of the film is about how he gets lessons and then how he implements them to woo Vidya. As in all Hindi films hero gets the heroin.

Although the story is very simple and straight however, the execution and storytelling is the highpoint of the film. How a very simple situation makes you laugh out is the beauty of the film. Basuda’s direction is topnotch as always. The most important thing I like about him is expertise of showcasing everyday middle class life which is still untouched by any of the director even after decades.

Sitting in 2008 and watching Mumbai of 70’s in the film is an experience in itself which gives a nostalgic feeling. Empty roads, buses, trains, fashion, offices, telephones, lifestyle, buildings, cars or anything for that matter of those years is a pleasure to watch. Everything leaves an impression which can’t be erased from your memory soon. For instance no one can even forget the name of the company “Jackson Tolaram & Sons” where Amol Palekar works.

Music of the film is not as popular as other Basuda’s films, only the title song is a track to remember. Amol Palekar is top grade and portrays the role of a shy bachelor with perfection. His style and acting is another highlight of the film. Vidya Sinha fits the role of a conservative middle class girl. Asrani is perfectly casted for the role. Ashok Kumar as army major and personality development trainer is pleasure to watch.

Chhoti Si Baat is a very plain simple comedy without any over the top performances as seen in today’s comedy film. It’s a perfect treat for yourself if you like this kind of cinema. I can assure that it will be two and a half hours well spent on any of your holiday. Go for it, its available at any of the VCD/DVD store for a price of as low as Rs. 49. For seriously interested, I will be happy to give out my copy also.

Rating: ****