Do Dooni Chaar
wogma rating: Watch but no rush (?)
Stories from the lives of the middle class, a generation gap where the children want to move up to the next level in socio-economic ladder. Sounds boring and is too. But the relationships are warm and the issues are real. Unfortunately there is a patch in between which makes the film a drag. That along with the preaching takes away from the crisp film it could have been.
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Each of us has that one teacher, we are thankful for, when we look back - the one who made that subject interesting. And for every one of those teachers there are at least 10 not-so-good ones who kill our will to study. After all, what motivation do they have to be good teachers in this country? This is the backdrop against which Habib Faisal sets stage for the decaying system we are all becoming a part of. All in a fun manner using charming characters until the preaching comes in (all pun intended).
Even a hint of a middle-class milieu in films and the first people I think of are Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Basu Chatterjee. No, I don’t want to get into a comparison game, Do dooni chaar doesn't match up to any of their products and that's alright. It's just cool that it brings a smile by reminding me of my all-time favorite directors. So, with reminiscing done, we can begin appreciating what the other senior citizens are up to.
Neetu Singh, what a brilliant choice for a comeback. The first time I heard of her return to films, I was weary - weary that she'll take up a role which puts her across as a wife-to-a-rich person and knows not what to do with her life. Then I saw the posters of her on a scooter. Along with a sigh of relief came another source of weariness. Is she going to behave poor while strutting around with the finest saris? A-la Hema-Malini-in-Baghban.
Yeah-yeah I'm a very weary person. The flip-side though is that I'm still in awe of the simplicity with which she-played her easy-going character - calm despite repressed needs and all that goes with being an Indian home-mom. She reminded me of my mom. Not once does it feel that she was away for so long. And good movie or bad, I hope to age at least half as gracefully as these women are approaching the other side of 60. Also, it's brilliant that they didn’t even seem remotely tempted to use the Rishi-Neetu history.
Of course, there's Rishi Kapoor too. A-ha! Here's something I'm not weary of. Somehow, I'm always sure he'll do well as any character he has to play. O-kay, he didn't remind me of my dad, but some of his scenes with his kids are just the right amount of emotional. Another one with a student of his brought me to tears, despite being clichéd, predictable and all that jazz. His acting and the writing - both of the situation and the dialogue - put together create such a perfect moments to get all misty-eyed.
Even otherwise, the writing touches upon many varying issues. Here's the checklist - The irony of the joy of getting your own money back from a government agency; the supposedly inevitable and certainly gratuitous pot-shot at the media; the oblivion in which parents live with respect to the street-smartness of their teenagers; the irresistibility of the "keeping up with the Joneses" game; and of course the whole comment on how the job of a teacher, the building block of any society is treated with little respect; meddlesomeness of parents even though the child knows the right thing to do; human nature of being dissatisfied; the car salesmen, loan phone calls - not an exhaustive list by any means.
Do dooni chaar is the coming of age of a family and the relationships within, despite individual limitations and their inadequacies as a family. It's mostly fun and emotional but falls into the pits of boredom every once in a while.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Aparajita Ghosh, Apun Ka Choice : ...Simple, humorous, and totally relatable, Do Dooni Chaar is a small film with a big heart. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama : ...tight and interesting script which abounds in real-life situations that have been presented with utmost conviction... full review
Thumbs up, Bollywood Mantra : ...After so much terror and loud movies, ‘Do Dooni Chaar’ comes as a cool breeze.... full review
Thumbs up, by Blessy Chettiar, DNA : ...Kapoor's comic timing is spectacular, while his better half looks adorable.... full review
Thumbs up, by Deepa Deosthalee, Film Impressions : ...Faisal makes sharp observations about not just the education system and how shabbily our society treats teachers, but also just how difficult it is for a man to stick to his values against the odds of modern life. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Devesh Sharma, Filmfare : ...film’s message is that one shouldn’t lose one’s common decency and integrity over pursuit of material happiness isn’t shoved down our throat but comes at its own pace... full review
Thumbs up, by Mayank Shekhar, Hindustan Times : ...There is no such thing as the self-sufficient Indian middle class anymore... full review
Thumbs up, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...much of the film is accompanied by a voice-over that is jarring, and a background score that leaves your head throbbing... full review
Thumbs up, by Kaveree Bamzai, india today : ...It's a lovely slice of life, which makes you laugh out loud on more than one occasion. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Gaurav Malani, indiatimes : ... Director Habib Faisal resorts to minimalism in narrating a decent and delectable family drama. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Sanjukta Sharma , Live Mint : ...hilarious situations unfurl, leading to a climax which is rather clumsy and melodramatic compared with the overall tone of the film. ... full review
Thumbs up, Movie Talkies : ...Director Faisal impresses with his writing as well as with his directorial skills... full review
Thumbs up, by Minty Tejpal, Mumbai Mirror : ...Do Dooni Char is cast very well, and the ensemble of actors does a great job, worthy of the delightfully written script.... full review
Thumbs up, by Anupama Chopra, NDTV : ...Do Dooni Char is cast very well, and the ensemble of actors does a great job, worthy of the delightfully written script.... full review
Thumbs up, by Noyon Jyoti Parasara, Now Running.com : ...Among messages like honesty and truth the movie also sends out a clear message on importance of teachers and how respectful a profession it is.... full review
Thumbs up, by Magik, Passion for Cinema : ...It first reminded me of my dad’s first shiny blue Bajaj Sunny, which he later taught me how to drive.... full review
Thumbs up, by Preeti Arora, Rediff : ...Set in a one-bedroom flat in Delhi [ Images ], Do Dooni Char is successfully recreates the middle-class ethos. T... full review
Thumbs up, by Shilpa Jamkhandikar, Reuters : ...in spite of the good performances by all four main characters, you feel like the director is trying too hard to make a particular scene touching or funny... full review
Thumbs up, by Khalid Mohamed, Review and views uncensored : ...Utterly believable and peppered with home truths, the dramaturgy brings you close to the pleasures and the pains of the family.... full review
Thumbs up, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...unhurried and thorough... full review
Thumbs up, by K N Gupta, SmasHits.com : ...succeeds in providing every possible ingredient from crisis to comic to romance .... full review
Thumbs up, by Janhvi Patel, StarBoxOffice : ...Aditi Vasudev is excellent as Payal Duggal, expressing the dissatisfaction and maturity of her character.... full review
Thumbs up, by K K Rai, STARDUST : ...Rishi Kapoor has done excellent work in the film, which is more in the mould of Rishikesh Mukherjee’s work of earlier era than anything we call of Gen X... full review
Thumbs up, by Nikhat Kazmi, Times of India : ...Do Dooni Chaar should be mandatory viewing for the teaching community. The film shall make them feel good. ... full review
Thumbs up, by SpiceZee Bureau, Zee News : ...Rishi surprises with his amazing comic timing and Neetu looks every bit gorgeous in her new avatar. ... full review
So-So, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...The script is written intelligently incorporating many real life incidents with which a common man can easily relate to.... full review
So-So, by Roshni Mulchandani, Bolly Spice : ...honest plot and performances. ... full review
So-So, by Deepa Gahlot, Film Impressions : ...Neetu Kapoor looks sweet and simple but doesn’t have much to chew on -- in keeping with the housewife image, she is seen constantly cooking and cleaning. ... full review
So-So, by Deepa Garimella, fullhyd.com : ...The film would have been more feel-good if the heart-warming ending was dilated ... full review
So-So, by Komal Nahta, koimoi : ...Habib Faisal’s direction, like his script, belies the fact that he makes his debut with this film. His narration is interesting and goes well with the script... full review
So-So, by Namrata Joshi, Outlook India : ...Instead of playing the film as some kind of a starry comeback of Rishi-Neetu, the director keeps their presence low-key.... full review
So-So, by TheThirdMan, Upper Stall : ...the sporadic small touch or the occasional little moment particularly between Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh with the odd smart dialogue does work but finally the second half with a preachy finale after a decent enough first half does the film in.... full review
zmilap: Saw "Do dooni chaar" fantastic movie! Really sweet n cute with an extraordinary performance by mr rishi kapoor and mrs neetu kapoor!
zishaan: Do Dooni Chaar ★★★1/2
vivekranjit: Re-post. #DoDooniChaar - My Review #DDC - http://vivekranjit.blogspot.com/2010/10/do-dooni-chaar-duggals-win-your-heart.html
vikaskhanna: Do Dooni Chaar - A simple, fun flick!!
vickybarmecha: just saw DO DOONI CHAAR......wonderful film.....loved the movie.....n loved every character in it....cute DUGGAL family...:-)
upasnakakroo: Do dooni chaar completely works for me #movie http://upasna.blogspot.com/2010/10/do-dooni-chaar.html
upasnakakroo: loved do dooni chaar, esp Rishi Kapoor!!
twiternair: Review: Do Dooni Chaar is a lovely film
total_filmy: Do Dooni Chaar- A laughing riot | Total Filmy http://t.co/rHakLOJ
tanzphilip: watched do dooni chaar from pvr today..funny,real n heart warming story..gud acting by rishi n neetha kapoor
TanviG: ...enjoyed kbc and do dooni chaar yesterday...amitabh and rishi kapoor are just so special!
swatishetty: Rajnikant paused ROBOT! Do Dooni Chaar has arrived!
SunilChunder: Saw 'Do Dooni Chaar' sterdy! Loved Santosh n kusum on big screen.. Loved the movie!! #SaturdayMrngShow #MyWeekend :-)
SudhishKamath: To clarify, Habib Faisal not just wrote but also directed Do Dooni Chaar! Goes to show getting out of Yash Raj Films does empower a writer!
Sonali_Rattan: Do dooni chaar made me happy..rishi kapoor and neetu singh's magic intact:) lovely film.
skhawaish: Movie Review: Do Dooni Chaar, Delight to those who enjoy each moment if their life http://onlywire.com/r/13050796 The pairing, the backgroun
singhcd: #singhcdFILMreviews Do Dooni Chaar-Its nice&clean family movie.Rishi &Neetu Kapoor's brilliance shines thru,even other actors do well
simplymalaika: Do Dooni Chaar ...a must watch.... for its sheer simplicity. The whole Duggal family is brilliant.
Shru_T: #recommending "do dooni chaar".... bahut ho gaya muvi shuvi.... back to work... O:)
shrishtiarya: Do dooni chaar is a sweet unassuming film. A must watch 4 rishi kappor's fab performance & charming presence of his lovely wife neetu kapoor
ShikhaChawla: Watched 'Do dooni chaar'. Such a refreshing movie after a very long time. Perfect slice-of-life cinema!
shefali_tek: watched "do dooni chaar" great family movie, loved it
shashankwave: DO DOONI CHAAR: Rishi Kapoor one of the finest comedians indeed – GlamSham http://goo.gl/fb/mHJGD
Shahid_Azam: Do Dooni Chaar is a sweet, lovable n entertaining movie. Great performances by all, especially Rishi Kapoor n Neetu Singh! Rating: 3.5/5
shadanmd: Do dooni chaar is such a positive movie..i went to see Neetu Singh,came back with rejuvinated respect for Rishi Kapoor..Awesome performance.
satysingh: Do not miss 'Do Dooni Chaar'... It is the simplest way to bring a smile to your lips this weekend!
satpalsharma: 'Do Dooni Chaar' for me is 7/10: In the midst of all masala flicks, here comes a pleasant and true to life movie with a soul. #ratings
sanketzcool: Watched do dooni chaar..excellent movie,ordinary lyf is extra ordinary...teachers n parents just dont miss it..
saivignesh87: 'Do dooni chaar' is one of the best movie of recent time. Do watch it for its simple yet sensible storyline, superb casting, great dialogues
Rohan972: do dooni chaar!!! NICE movie :)
rishitaa: Do Dooni Chaar.. Nt bad very nice movie.. Neetu kapoor looks gorgeous as evr.
rishidarda: Lokmat - Do Dooni Chaar 3.5 stars. a cute movie. after amitabh-hema malini jodi in baghban, rishi-neetu singh r the ... http://tmi.me/23pCc
Rimjhisaha1992: Hey guys! What about Do dooni chaar? I think it's great. Nitu and Rishi has made it rock
ravivyas84: Do Dooni Chaar was a great watch, a little lengthy , Neetu Kapoor was awesome
ravikapoor: Do Dooni Chaar showcases common man's life in Delhi. Rishi-Neetu looked fabulous & you leave audi with a smile. #pass
rashida_k: Do dooni chaar is a good movie... Really good perspective to the positive in #consumerism
ranjanaeaswar: Do Dooni Chaar is such a cute film. I'm glad my folks thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They said they could identify with the movie a lot.
rajeshja: Do Dooni Chaar is a surprisingly good movie. Simple story, very well presented.
rajendravijay: on the contrary, Do dooni chaar was a delightful watch. Saddi dilli is so close to my heart. felt good to visit it one more time.
RajaSen: Do Dooni Chaar: simple yet nuanced film made with heart. Charming characters and ensemble, and Rishi-Neetu rock it. Take family/pals along.
rahulnanda86: Do Dooni Chaar is a decent film and an honest effort. Slow but has some beautiful moments. Rishi and Neetu are fab. Love the punjabi nuances
raghuvanshi23: On the whole, DO DOONI CHAAR is a delight to watch. Just don't miss this one!
Radhikakr: do dooni chaar talks abt the great indian middle class and thr day to day struggle to meet the ends. Funny, real and heart warming :)
punit_jp: Watched Do Dooni Chaar... Good movie... May be b'cause one can relate to it !!!!!
PsychoMaan: Do dooni chaar is very sweet. Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh steals the show
prathik_3010: Review: Do Dooni Char: Sweet, simplistic and sensitive: Do Dooni Chaar is a be-fitting ode to the teaching community http://bit.ly/9CGBZY
Pranil_RedDevil: Do dooni chaar is a treat #WIN
pranavpr: Do Dooni Chaar is a nice movie...has aptly depicted the situation of lower middle class family. Liked it :)
parveendusanj: Just watched 'Do Dooni Chaar' - very funny, highlights all the Indian societal facades! All the annoying traits in this society..good film
nihang: Do Dooni Chaar, story of a middle class family who lurch from one crisis to another. Reminds me Khosl ka Ghosla though it was much better.
nareshk: Do Dooni Chaar: A simple n endearin Malgudi Days type TV serial, worth wtchng on big screen 4 Rishi n Neetu!
N1har1kaS1ngh: Do dooni chaar- Wat a beautiful film! Duggal family reminded me of my Singh family back in d good ol' Ddun days. Miss my Dad n his scooter!
mohit007: Watched Do dooni chaar.... liked it...... reminded me of Khosla Ka Ghosala....
mohanbari: Do dooni chaar is paisa wasool material!!!
mirzasays_: Movie Review: Do Dooni Chaar, Delight to those who enjoy their life - http://b2l.me/aytmkz
minimathur: Saw ' Do dooni chaar" last night.. what an absolutely delightful film.. Rishi Kapoors is the BEST performance I have seen this year.. SUPERB
menatasha: Do Dooni Chaar......a sweet movie
mad_nad: Do dooni chaar is good, very good
LizaSaha: Watched 'Do Dooni Chaar'. Quite a delight and a very realistic portrayal of the Delhi middle class family. Decent plot & good acting.
kunalkohli: do dooni chaar,is such a sweet film,Rishiji & Neetuji are adorable,the girl playing their daughter is superb,the son is very good too
kunal_deshmukh: loved #do dooni chaar , so heart felt . great film from a very talented first time dir . i clearly have much to learn. please watch the film
kshitijb: Do dooni chaar is a delightful movie...Middle class charm oozing out of every scene...
KiranKotrial: Rishi Kapoor, the most underrated actor in India, has a field day in 'Do Dooni Chaar'. Old school, pleasant film. :)
kiranarc: 'Do Dooni Chaar' Shines In Parts Rishi Kapoor stars with real life wife Neetu in a heart-warming story that is soured by sexism and ridicu
kimk101: Rishi Kapoor is brilliant in “Do Dooni Chaar”: When “Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani” released, we were left wondering ... http://bit.ly/brq3qC
kavyaratna: Do dooni chaar- rishi kapoor-neetu singhs magic is fabulous....a must watch
kartikdayanand: Happy Dassera everyone. Have a great day & do chk this out - Do Dooni Chaar: A timely classic! http://bit.ly/c9NMft
Jeweliot: KBC night, woohoo. btw, do dooni chaar is too good to be missed. LOVED IT! in my all time favs now, will buy dvd when its out! rishikapoor♥
IyerMurali: Just watched 'Do Dooni Chaar'.. Simple story, a must watch..
h_chakkiwaala: watched 'Do Dooni Chaar' at @funcinemas, chd. .... amazing and a must see flick ..... great work by @arindam_IIPM's Planman Media.
gyandeep4a: Don't miss Do Dooni Chaar. You'll regret it, later on.
goDODOgo: Do Dooni Chaar ROCKS !! and when Neetu and Rishi Kapoor share the screen sparks still fly bigtime..
GargPiyush: Do Dooni Chaar... Must Watch, mere yaar...
funky_kunal: Do dooni chaar a must watch for all family crowd
FBK_BARGS: Do dooni chaar.good muvi.rishi sir n neetu madam rocks.the real jodi.
faria_zafar: Watched Do Dooni Chaar yesterday... A simple yet very strong movie
divyadutta25: Sheer delight to watch t jaadu jodi of rishi neetu kapoor in do dooni chaar..whta cute couple...jadoo barkaraar hai..cute film.love u rishi
devmehta: PLANMAN MOTION PICTURES ROCK IT once again DO DOONI CHAAR amazing... congratulations Arindam Sir...
CyooriusCartoon: Do Dooni Chaar. Rishi & Neetu make you laugh, cry and reflect. A complete thumbs-up to this heartwarming, hilarious film. Must watch!
Cinepolis_ASR: "Do Dooni Chaar is a little gem that should not be missed!” ....... http://fb.me/IMnjzyIw
CineManan: Do dooni chaar-rishi kapoor and neetu singh stole the show.decent movie in the mould of a low budget entertainer.well done. 7/10
ChandniT: Loved Do Dooni Chaar. Simple story, fab performances :)
chandni_sharmaa: do dooni chaar mustt watchh... esp. cos mostt of us hv foughtt with materialismm..consumeriism... n come closer to our family
ChairPhantom: 'Do Dooni Chaar' is very funny as it highlights typical Indian "hang-ups".
bobbyart: Do Dooni Chaar ! The Khosla Ka Ghosla of 2010 !!!
blahssome: Do Dooni Chaar is an awesomely cute feel good movie. No senti stuff. And very funny. Easily 4/5.
BhawanaSomaaya: No trace of self consciousness in Neetu Kapoor of Do Dooni Chaar even though she returns to screen after 30 long years. The jodi rocks!
apurvnagpal: Saw Do Dooni Chaar yday & loved it. Am saddened tho tht 50% of the films impact seems to b decided by industry perception & not the consumer
ankurkapoor86: Saw 'do dooni chaar' today...by far the best hindi film of the year! 5/5
anjan01: Do Dooni Chaar Review: Heart-rending and realistic comic caper: After a long wait of 30 agonising years, actors Ri... http://bit.ly/aqW23J
anilvoteupindia: DO DOONI CHAAR: Rishi Kapoor one of the finest comedians indeed - http://b2l.me/ax6vm4
AnandChatterjee: Rishi Kapoor n Neetu ji rocks the screen in the cutest movie of this year...Do Dooni Chaar. Don't miss.
ameeshalathia: Truly enjoyed do dooni chaar.. Easy watch and truly fun.. Loved rishi kapoor and neetu singh..
am_sharma: watched "do dooni chaar" today. nice simple movie. had a good time.
ajmeraamee: Do dooni chaar- basic meaningful cinema. Glad to see the veterans back.
aishu_s: Watched Do Dooni Chaar with mom today. Nice movie.
ADTSinghSharma: Loved do dooni chaar .. Packing now! Flying out tom morning
AbithaAnandh: Rishi Kapoor's most memorable comedy role ever. #Do Dooni Chaar. Excellent screenplay for the win.
abidmg: Do Dooni Chaar is an excellent movie. Goes to show that stupid producers should invest more on stories/scripts rather than stars.
911_Hollywood: Eat, Pray, Love disappoints, Do Dooni Chaar delights and A Little Less ...: By Christina Daniels Many in India wat... http://bit.ly/dl0cuP
_Prateek_Garg: Do Dooni Chaar no doubt is a good movie, depicting the middle class india, but comparing it to Children of Heaven, is disgrace to latter!
sharansharma: Very accurate review of Do Duni Chaar - http://mumbaiboss.com/2010/10/07/do-dooni-char-shines-in-parts/
sakdid: Do dooni chaar is an avg film with an above avg performance by neetu kapoor!
GChintamani: My review of Do Dooni Chaar; could have been much better if it had remained simple and not become overtly simplistic.http://bit.ly/b6SJkV
BabyBolly: Do Dooni Chaar is sweet; but not a patch on WAGLE KI DUNIYA!
sanjay_sahai: Do dooni chaar easily avoidable. If u liked Khosla ka ghosla u won't b able to stand it.
priyapathiyan: do dooni chaar is a sweet film, nicely executed, all d nuances got perfectly right
ITVNewz: http://bit.ly/cB6f1B Film Review: Crook: A lost cause, Do Dooni Chaar has a paper thin theme and Lava Kusa has a limited appeal
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
Plot Summary
The Duggal family is a foursome with small means and mostly small aspirations. For one reason or the other, they have this urge to own a small car which is beyond their means.
What Worked
- Kids talking about Facebook updates in the background. Nice touch
- The electrical stove for reheating food (versus the microwave used in most urban households)
- The voiceover fleetingly explains that her parents aren't that bad because they are not completely righteous - ok, let me not even attempt to explain, this one has to be watched and caught.
- The tomboy teenager wiping her lipstick off.
- Loved how Mr. Duggal wears sneakers over a suit at a wedding. Adds to the tone of the film.
- The props used in the house.
What did not
- Ok, how can the right solution of a math problem be wrong because of a silly mistake, if the method of getting to the answer was wrong?
Parental Guidance:
- Violence: None
- Language: Clean
- Nudity & Sexual content: none
- Concept: The changing moral fiber of our society and how difficult it is to resist it. Maybe our kids should see this because it's their world we are talking about here.
- General Look and Feel: Bright but not bling. No song and dance, but otherwise a light environment that kids will understand and enjoy.
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Comments (4)
Very impressive Blog.Designed it beautifully just for movie review that is well written
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very nice review. based on nudity and sexual content info you provided I think I can watch with some dear ones...:) thanks. I would usually watch bollywood movies free here
The movie is nice...a middle class family got stuck in fulfilling the desire of having a car.It nicely depicts the conditions which a family faces while fulfilling a dream wish of having a car for their family.
Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh were superb in their acting and the rest of the actors supported them well.
Thanks @mountainebony! Corrected I always mix that one up. Wrong wiring in the head. :P
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