Chashme Buddoor (1981)

It's hard to believe that Chashme Baddoor completed 40 years on May 8- it remains as fresh and delightful as it was when first released, if not more. Personally, this movie holds a lot of nostalgia for me because it's set in and shot in North Campus, Delhi University, a place that is full of the loveliest memories for me. I too fell in love there, and it felt so special to watch it all being played out again on screen through Sai Paranjpye's eyes. 

Apart from the DU vibes, what I loved most about this movie was how it was peppered with meta Bollywood references. Speaking of which, Ravi Baswani and Deepti Naval have got to be the most underrated pairing in Hindi cinema, thanks to the "Karna Tha Inkar" music video. They accomplished so much in that tiny space of time, it's amazing. Legends only. Leela Mishra as always made the movie a hundred times better with her presence, it's such a treat to have her around. Another little thing I appreciated was how everyone just seemingly walked into the camera. I know it's a tiny thing, but it's stuff like this that honestly makes me find a movie endearing. 

In conclusion, Deepti Naval breaking down while singing "Kahan Se Aaye Badra" remains one of the most relatable moments in Hindi cinema ever. Also, how iconic is "Kaise Ho Pagal"? It's insane how this album is never talked about or appreciated enough. Stop disrespecting my OG boi Sid and Miss Chamko like that!!

PS- I want to decorate my room just like those three did, complete with a "Chashme Buddoor" painting on the door.

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