Chashme Buddoor 'Classic' Vs. Chashme Baddoor 'Modern'

In 1981 Sai Paranjpye directed a film called “Chashme Buddoor” which starred Farooque Shaikh, Rakesh Bedi, Lt. Ravi Baswani and Deepti Naval. After 32 years now the same classic film is all set to re-appear on the big screens in a new look alongwith David Dhawan’s modern ‘Chashme Baddoor’. It is for the first time in the history of Indian cinema that two films based on a similar central theme with little difference in the title (but different sub-plots) are releasing on the same date that is April 5th. The new Chashme Baddoor features Ali Zafar, Siddharth, Divyendu Sharma and Taapsee Pannu.

In an up- close interview with Jayshree Makhija, PLA Entertainment and Shiladitya Bora, head of Director's Rare, Adgully tried to figure out the reason behind re-releasing of classic film and how it’s going to keep a pace with the modern ‘Chashme Buddoor’.

On asked the reason behind re-releasing the film after almost three decades, Makhija said, “The reason behind restoration of the film ‘Chashme Buddoor’ was that the negatives were in ‘about to die status’ and I wanted to preserve them as this film is very close to my heart.” Makhija worked as assistant director for this film which was produced by his brother Anand Makhija under the banner of PLA Entertainment.

To this Bora added, “Releasing cult classic like ‘Chashme Buddoor’ is a part of our programming that we do. Prior to this we have also released classic films like ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro’ in November 2012 and recently Salam Bombay in March 2013. We thought it’s the best time for the re-release as it’s for the first time that the original film and the remake are releasing on the same day and the buzz would be maximum for both the films.”

Both Makhija and Bora agree to the fact that  it would be unfair to compare both the releases as the modern one will be a wide release across the country whereas the classic film will have a limited release only in selected cities.

“It is PLA’s tribute to director Sai Paranjype’s art, Lt. Ravi Baswani, Lt. Gul Anand, Farooque Shaikh, Rakesh Bedi, Deepti Naval and contribution of others associated with the film.” says Makhija. “Where Dhawan’s film is releasing in almost 100 screens around the city, the Paranjpye’s classic will be re-releasing in about 40 screens around the country with a simultaneous release in Dubai,” confirmed Bora.

For Bora ‘Chashme Buddoor’ would be the best out of the three films re-released till date  as they’ve received great response and with the help of marketing and promotion the forthcoming film has created more awareness amongst people.

Both believe that there is no comparison between both the films as for Makhija, “Dhawan’s remake has different aspects in terms of directing styles the dialects etc. and it’s kind of compliment that someone wants to re-invent the classic film. It’s unfair to compare the two, as the new one will have  wide release and old ones will be limited to niche audience. So, business wise there is no comparison.”

We predict that the majority of audience in terms of youth will go for Dhawan’s film which is based on perfect blend of fun, comedy and drama whereas for audience planning for re-released film would surely get nostalgic feeling and bond with the film.