PodBill Just what I expected

BallWubba Wow! What a bizarre film! Unfortunately the few funny moments there were were quite overshadowed by it's completely weird and random vibe throughout.

WillSushyMedia This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

Ariella Broughton It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

Krishnamurthi Kumar Bawarchi is a gem of a movie that conveys a lot without actually saying much. Hrishikesh Mukherjee is the real Bawarchi (Chef) here. He selects the right recipe (the story), brings the right ingredients (actors and technicians), adds the right spices (music, drama and a O'Henry-esqe twist) and just lets all of them simmer under his watchful eye.I cant think of a better casting for such a beautiful story. The correct mix of star power of Rajesh Khanna, Jaya Bhaduri (Bachchan) and Amitabh Bachchan (as the sutradhaar or the narrator) and highly under-rated character actors like A.K. Hangal, Asrani and even Paintal.The story by Tapan Sinha is a timeless classic. It is true even today where the joint-family system may have disintegrated but the sibling fights, day-to-day strife and dependence on domestic help still continue. Gulzar, the master word-smith, weaves his magic in the dialogs (Special mention- 'It's so simple to be happy but so difficult to be simple').Today, more than ever, we realize and miss such simple movies.

HIREN DAVE "It is so simple to be happy but it is so difficult to be simple," quoted Rajesh Khanna in the film. It's simplicity & light hearted movie making of Hrishida which made him one of the most popular film director of India. If I have to choose only one best Indian Director, I will chose him without a single doubt and this isn't any exaggeration at all. His every films I've seen innumerable times & still left with the feeling to watch it again. Hrishida was such a genius director that even big superstars like Big B & Kaka (khanna) agree to do any sort of thing he told them to do. For example in this film, he convinced Big B to narrate the title credits of the film just like a stage play & also convinced Khanna (a Big superstar then) to do a role of home cook(Bawarchi). How Khanna entered in Shanti Niwas & changed the dynamics of a constantly quarreling family into a lovable bonding is just watch worthy. Along with really a fine act of Rajesh Khanna there are few more stalwarts of Hrishda's films like Jaya Bhaduri & Asrani who also shared their light hearted act in this film. I've seen Govinda- David Dhavan's 'Hero no-1' & Sanju Baba Starr 'Khoobsurat'& both are direct rip off of this film but it's always original which stays classic. As one of my friend Digant said to me that this film won't make you laugh louder in the funny scenes but make your face smile from beginning to end. So true.Recommended to all Hrishida's fans.Ratings-8/10

ateeqimran If ever fairy tales were told in poetic and yet mesmerizing way than this is definitely one among them.The word 'magician' in my title could apply to Hrishikesh Mukherji definitely but also to Rajesh Khanna. Aah.. what an actor!.This is undoubtedly one of Mr.Mukherji's best. You can feel the Bengali warmth all over it.It's subtle and yet so clear, it's humorous and yet so sentimental.It's a story about a cook who changes not only the tastes of the house but also the hearts.Now here is a movie u feel deserved an Oscar... but who cares? It's truly a world's loss. But then you can't blame the Oscar jury... nothing much was done in the past to promote Indian cinema on an International standard.This is a movie you can proudly refer and no such luck for the movies that are being churned out now.

Philip Banerjee This is a truly classic Indian film, and a fitting showcase to the substantial talents of it director, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, who shows how a masterpiece can be produced on a small budget.Shot almost exclusively inside the Sharma household, this film explores the tensions and rivalries within the Sharma family, and how their domestic problems quite literally bring them to their knees. Into this house of discontent steps a man with answers to their problems and a lot more. How can a cook be so smart? What is his agenda? Who is this man? The acting in a very strong cast is first class, and without weakness. Rajesh Khanna steals the show though with a brilliant, amusing lead role as the loquacious Bawarchi. At that time (1972) he was the darling of the Indian cinema and women wrote letters in their own blood to him, such was his appeal, and this film showcases his immense talent. Rajesh Khanna's performance is one of great depth: his facial expressions, delivery and mannerisms are skilfully never overplayed, none more so than when he utters in English "It is simple to be happy, but it is difficult to be simple". Whether it be a comic or serious sad scene, Jaya Badhuri, as Krishna, perfectly conveys the uncertainties of a complex, sensitive young woman and captures her emotions beautifully to show just what a fine actress she is. A.K.Hangal amuses as the kindly Uncle who likes a quiet tipple and makes a fine double act with his screen brother. Harendranath Chatopadhay's performance as grandfather is authentic and very enjoyable. All this is underpinned with strong direction, and creative screenplay: the beautifully crafted entry of the Bawarchi through the morning mist into the chaotic proceedings being a personal highlight. Overall the delivery of the Gulzar's punchy dialogue has the required pace to make Bawarchi work. Either all these actors are adept at this and/or Mukherjee and his direction team are experts in achieving it.Bawarchi can inspire a mixture of emotions: from sadness to joy. Whether you understand Hindi or not, it's a film that you can go back to and still enjoy again and again, and that is the mark of genius.