Sai Paranjpye Movies
A woman director/writer from India, Sai Paranjpye started her career as a producer for Delhi Doordashan Television. She directed two award-winning films for children Jadoo Ka Shankh (1974) and Sikhandar (1976) while she was in charge of the Children's Film society. Her first feature film, Sparsh (The Touch) (1978-79), won three national awards, her next two films, Chashme Buddoor (1981-82) and Katha (1983-84) were light comedies, and her fourth feature, Disha (Immigrants) (1990-91) was a social commentary on migrant workers' plight. Following The Forest Love Bird in 1994, she made Saaz (Melody) in 1997, which is inspired by the life story of two legendary singers of Indian commercial cinema. ~ Gönül Dönmez-Colin, All Movie Guide- 2002
Bhago Bhoot (Uncle Ghost) is a feature-length children's film from India, written and directed by Sai Paranjpye. Nanu (Vinay Katore) is a young boy who doesn't pay attention to his studies. He ends up meeting the hermit Bhago (Nedumudy Venu) and they become good friends. In order to get Nanu to study, Bhago hides the fact that he was a former teacher so his young friend will give him lessons. When Bhago saves people in the woods, he protects his own reclusive status and makes sure Nanu gets the credit. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Vinay Katore, Nedumudi Venu, (more)
- 1997
Since song and dance numbers are a very important part of commercial Indian films, there are many professional singers who specialize in playing back (dubbing) their singing voice on to motion pictures. Especially famous are two sisters who reportedly cover 80% of all female songs. Director Sai Paranjpye based her film on the story of these legendary sisters. The film skillfully weaves the recollection of the main character, the younger sister Bansi (gracefully played by Shammbana Azmi of international acclaim), as it reveals how a woman restores her lost identity. The plot is melodramatic, and the film is shot in the genre of Bollywood (Bombay Hollywood) entertainment films except for the fact that Sai Paranjpye brings a female variation to that genre. ~ Gönül Dönmez-Colin, All Movie Guide
The lure of the big city is something that country dwellers around the world experience. In every case, the particulars are different. In this drama, two best friends leave their Indian village and travel to Bombay to try and get work. Though the filmmaker doesn't say this, they are lucky. They find a room to share (with lots of other men) and don't have to live on the sidewalks and streets like so many others do. They even find work of a sort, even though it isn't strictly legal. However, beyond that, things aren't very rosy. The married friend is able to invite his wife in from the country for a conjugal visit when a friend loans him the use of his apartment, but that's only one night. Meanwhile, one of their friends who stayed at the village has been putting all his energy into digging a well to get water. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Shabana Azmi, Nana Patekar, (more)
