Boy Friend - "Mujhe Apna Yaar Bana Lo"

 

Boy Friend

Hindi, 1961

Director: Naresh Saigal

Stars: Shammi Kapoor, Madhubala, Dharmendra, Shivraj, Nishi Kohli

Watch on:  YouTube (TommyDan)

Mohan's Measure ⭐⭐⭐

The culture of North India in the early Post-Independence era attempted to be a harmonious mix of Islamic faith and Vaishnava ethics, and it shows in the ethos of this charming, albeit slow moving, romantic comedy.

Shammi Saheb's portrayal of Madan, aka Shyam, has the clothing and attitude of James Dean but a plotline reminiscent of one of my favorite Cary Grant films, Mr. Lucky.  There is a struggle in this man's character, between the street-smart thief and the lonely wanderer looking for, and surrendering to, his beloved.  The reformation of a thief into a moral man by love, a magical thing in classic film, both in the East and the West.

Ms. Madhubala need do little more than be on the screen. Akin to the inimitable Grace Kelly, the Bollywood Diva has more screen presence in her pinky finger than can be said of any actress today, including the big names.

I wish they had given a larger role to Dharmendra Saheb, however.  It is amazing to see just how young and handsome he is in this movie.  Adding to this charm is the heroism of a straight-laced cop who is trying to reform the seasoned thief.  

Boy Friend is a good film, not a great film.  But, it is incentive to this critic - in as much his readers - to watch more of these classics.

Jai Ram Ji Ki!