A typical Bollywood Film..
 Mar 18th, 2009
Advantages:
The striking Lead pair
Disadvantages:
Many . . . starting with the Direction
Recommendable:
Yes
Detailed rating:
Did you enjoy it?
Story
Characters / Performances
Special Effects
How does it compare to similar films?
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  kiran8
About me:
When in doubt, do nothing.....Put on your thinking cap...
Member since:26.07.2008
Reviews:96
Members who trust:52
Review rated by 46 Ciao members on average: very helpful 
Baghbaan(Gardener)
For all practical purposes i have stopped watching new Hindi films. Most of the films made now come under the category of well finished technically superb trash.But i thought this film was different .The star cast and the director made me watch this film.
I like Amitabh Bachan and Hema Malini to a certain extent, at least I loved her older movies like Abhinetri, Seeta aur Geeta, Johny mera naam, Naya zamana , those were all great films, although Hema has never been considered a great actress. But her gorgeous looks more than made up for any lack of talent and one could just watch her and feel happy ! She is one of the few actresses who has grown even more beautiful as she grew older.
I have had mixed feelings about Baghbaan. On the one hand i can say that both Amitabh bachhan and Hema malini have performed very well and make a handsome pair.
But the story of the film raises a lot of questions and criticisms. At least thats what i have felt..
About Baghbaan, and the story of Baghbaan
This film has been directed by Ravi Chopra, son of B.R.Chopra, a very talented director of the fifties and sixties..
According to Ravi Chopra this
film was made so that he could highlight the problem of the old and the aged and the changing relationship between the parents and children- generally about the difference in thinking and the problems faced by people during their old age.
The story of the film centers around an older couple Raj Malhotra (Amitabh Bachan) and Pooja (Hema Malini), who are forced to live with their sons .They have sacrificed and spent all their hard earnings on bringing up their 4 sons and getting them settled in life and having no where to go, the children decide between themselves that they will take care of one parent at a time in turns.
Raj and Pooja are a very loving and devoted couple.They are very sad when they hear that they have to live separately with their sons.But having no other go they consent to this and they ,each start living with theirs sons, all the time missing each other.
They are ill treated by the sons and the daughter in laws ..
Most of the film centers around this and it has a predictable end..
My views about the film
I was quite apprehensive when I went to see this film, because of the general trend of the present day cinema. And guess what ? I was right.There are some utterly ridiculous scenes, that are just not believable..
The major flaw in this film is the exaggerated manner in which the characters are portrayed. On the one hand Raj is shown as a smart person doing well in his banking career owning a large house and living in style, but , when he retired, he is supposed to have gone bankrupt, and the reason given is a loan he took to tide over his sons financial difficulties.This doesn't make any sense at all, what
ever happened to his retirement benefit? and what about his pension?..the director does not seem to have given a careful thought here , not enough homework done
When Pooja and Raj accidentally visit a Hotel where they had spent their honeymoon, the reception that they are given by the Hotel Manager is just not believable..
Salaman khan in what is supposed to be a subdued role stands out like a sore thumb. His is the most exaggerated characterisation where he is shown offering pooja (prayer) with his wife to his adopted parents(Raj and Pooja) . Sometimes, Hindi film directors go overboard where tradition and family values are concerned , but, I seriously din't expect it from Chopra production house. And I wonder why Salaman speaks in that squeaking totally unnatural voice? Is it supposed to be in keeping with his new Mature (finally at 40+) image?? Mahima Choudhury has precious little to do as his wife other than sing a couple of songs and remain in the background..
On the plus side, Hema malini at 50+ looks ravishing with her lovely face and hour glass figure and all those lovely sarees and the way she carries herself ! Amazing ! She is the main attraction in this film. Amitabh and Hema make a striking couple and all the others pale into insignificance..
There are songs which are supposedly very popular with the masses , but honestly I cannot recollect the tune of a single song now, so much for popularity and melody, except the much played very mediocre ' something soniye, picturised on Amitabh - Hema and the entire family ! A must have song in such films , when there is a grand family occassion where everyone dances ..
The direction though lacking has been sufficient enough to make it successful or is it the changing times and tastes? the fact that it was a huge success .In my opinion it is a very average film that became so successful because of its 2 towering stars Hema Malini and Amitabh Bachan..Also because it is different to what is being dished out now. The audience is looking for family sentiments and family values, even when it is wholly exaggerated..
You dont miss anything if you dont watch Baghban. The only reason why one can watch the film is just to see the screen chemistry between he lead pair Hema and Amitabh. They look absolutely great together..
Product details
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Actors: Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Paresh Rawal, Lillete Dubey, Sharat Saxena
Directors: Ravi Chopra Format: Colour, DVD-Video, PAL
Language: Hindi with English sub DVD Release Date: 26 Jan 2004
Run Time: 181 minutes Summary: It is a very average film
Pictures of Baghban (Hindi Language) (DVD)
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27.03.2009 11:29
A good review for a good drama. Thank you for sharing.
27.03.2009 01:00
Nicely laid out and written. ^_^
24.03.2009 23:10
In a sense, to me at least, I think that was a more interesting review than Slumdog Millionaire as I am very unlikely to ever watch this one! Richard.