Teesri Manzil

This is a perfect example of Indian pop cinema from the 1960's reflecting the relentless encroachment of Western style music and beat generation dancing - however R. D. Burman composed some good tunes for this, perfectly showcasing the talents that were Asha Bhosle and Mohammed Rafi.

A woman is murdered and her old friend played by Shammi Kapoor feels obliged to help track down the culprit. As it goes it's done pretty well, but of course the music is the thing! Although I liked his older brother Raj and along with this one some of his other films too I could never understand Shammi's over-expressive style of acting or his appeal (not being a woman maybe) - imho he almost ruined some of the songs here with his mugging and jerky movements. But of course, Shammi once seen never forgotten! Favourite bit: O Mere Sona - I used to wind on and play the vid just for this just to marvel in the incredible dexterity of Asha's vocals in the asking of Shammi's forgiveness; it's much easier with the DVD! The only copy I've ever seen has a rather fluid colour, occasionally lending an unintentionally surreal atmosphere at times but not detracting from the enjoyment.

It's an inconsequential treat much better than Viva Las Vegas, but clocking in at nearly 3 hours means patience, patience I think ultimately rewarded.

The basic instincts of directors come to the fore when they make a movie. Guru Dutt is an observer of life and never resorts to melodrama even in his tragedies. Gulzar is a mischievous person and this comes out in Anand, Chupke Chupke where he wrote dialogues or in the tragic Namkeen where he directed. Vijay Anand has a trained upbringing in terms of directorship when he saw and observed Chetan Anand at work. Here, he has not written the film but as a director his stamp is there in each frame of the film. He is a director by instincts, and a very good one. Apart from his writing and shooting and editing skills, where too he is unmatched.

This movie is one of the landmarks in the history Hindi Cinema. For 158 minutes the audience is enthralled by a spellbound plot, music, dance, songs and suspense saga. The performance of Shammi Kapoor, Helen, both Prems, Iftikar and Rashid Khan is classic. Even during the 5 mt brief intermission, the cine-goer prefers to be glued to his seat lest the entry of Premnath, immediately after the intermission be missed.

Comedy is at its zenith. The entry of Kapoor on the New Delhi Rly platform and his extraordinary style of walking is mind boggling.

Even 40 years down history, its music and songs are as hit as they were when the first gramophone records were released in 1965. I remember people queuing before the radios in shops and halt in the streets when the songs were played. Needless to say, not a single Wednesday program of Binaca Geetmala in 1966 thru 1968 was aired without a Shammi number either from Teesri Manzil, An Evening in Paris and Bhramachari.

The music, drama, settings and perspiring expressions of Kapoor during the climax of accidentally locating the intriguing "gem-studded coat-button " is scary, hair raising and traumatic.

A film for all classes and all age.

I first saw this film a few years ago and since then I must have seen it at least 20 times. First and foremost, the songs are excellent. I could listen to every single one again and again, especially O Haseena Zulfon Wali. Mohd Rafi truly is the greatest Indian playback singer to date. Asha Bhosle provides excellent support, particularly in the O Mera Sona Re song. Secondly, both the acting of Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh is great, both of them can pull off the comedy and the seriousness. Thirdly the plot of the movie is quite good too, with enough suspense to keep you hooked until the very end. This movie has been credited as the first murder mystery in Indian cinema and although at times its very clichéd and a little unbelievable, it still holds your attention.

All in all a typical 1960's movie but with that added masala that is bollywood!!

My Rating : 8/10

Superb - when Hindi Cinema had great artists unlike the cigarette factory of today's Bollywood.

Highest recommendation. A landmark.