Khatta Meetha (1978)

 

Khatta Meetha (1978)

For viewers looking for a gem of a film from the yesteryears, I can easily vouch for the slice of life and feel- good family drama released in the year 1977-78. Basu Chatterjee’s “Khatta Meetha” is an ode to the traditional family drama with a modern day and ahead of its time theme. They don’t make it like this anymore.

 For anyone born in the 90’s or later, watching this film can be a nostalgic trip down the years when films were made with heart and soul and money became the secondary part.  Basu Chatterjee’s films have always been rooted in the ground with a controlled budget and no major star. His stories resonate with characters rather than stardom.

Welcome to the Mistry family and the Sethna family. Homi Mistry, played absolutely brilliantly by Ashok Kumar, is a father of four youngsters. His wife has passed away some years ago. On other hand, Mrs. Nargis Sethna, played astutely by Pearl Padamsee, is a widow with three children. Circumstances bring together Homi and Mrs. Sethna and they decide to get married to each other. So, when they get married, they end up with a total seven children to manage on one house. The story from thereon showcases how the seven children gel together in spite of their differences, the various constraints that the family overcomes by being together as one big unit and how love and emotions win over commercialism and capitalism.

The film is completely based in the Parsi community. The characters, mannerisms, events and story structure are formed considering the Parsi traditions and culture and it’s a treat to watch the characters enacting their simple yet memorable part with ease.

The film is high on emotions but it never gets melodramatic. There are ample moments of comedy and humor that are subtle and situational. For someone watching this film in the current times, it will surely leave a big smile on the face as one watches the innocence with which characters are played. This was the 70’s.

There is some great catchy music by Rajesh Roshan and songs sung by Kishore Kumar are full of energy and cheerfulness. Kishore Kumar is in full form in this film with some back- to- back melodies. The title song” Thoda hain Thode Ki Zaroorat hain” is still relevant in the current times. There are other catchy tracks that are a mix of hip hop and trademark Kishore Kumar style with variations and voice modulations. Listening to these songs while watching the film on a Sunday afternoon makes one stress free and these songs also show us the brighter side of life in the time of adversity.  Imagine Kishore Kumar singing for Ashok Kumar. That’s complete nostalgia.

On the performances front, Ashok Kumar and Pearl Padamsee are a revelation. The credit titles shows that this was Pearl Padamsee’s first Hindi feature film. The viewer just roots for their characters. Ashok Kumar showcases as to why the great actor had been one of the most successful and busiest actors even at the age after sixty.  Deven Verma plays an interesting funny character that stands out. Rakesh Roshan and Bindiya Goswami add to the romantic angle in the story, both of them fit the roles perfectly.  The other supporting actors portraying the brothers and sisters have some memorable moments. For viewers watching the film in current times, one would imagine how did life go on with these artists after this film. Veteran actor Pradeep Kumar has a brief but impactful role. The finale where in the character of Pradeep Kumar gives out some wisdom about life and learning to his daughter is impactful.

Khatta Meetha is the perfect film to watch with the entire family on a Sunday afternoon on the television screen. Though the film will not look colorful or attractive, but it will surely make for a memorable Sunday afternoon bonding among the family members.