Do Aur Do Paanch (1980)

Do Aur Do Paanch is the story of two con men Vijay/Ram (Amitabh) and Sunil/Laxman (Shashi Kapoor) (also bitter enemies) who want to abduct Bittoo, son of a rich man (Shree Ram Lagoo) from a high security boarding school. The difference is that Vijay is doing it on his own and, Sunil for Uncle (Kader Khan) an enemy of Bittoo's father. To help their own cause, Ram and Laxman lure two teachers Anju (Parveen Babi) and Shalu (Hema Malini), respectively in their web of love. What ensues from here is a hilarious comedy of one-up-man-ship, Ram and Laxman trying to outwit each other.

What makes Do Aur Do Paanch different from other comedy movies is that unlike other comedies where there is usually one or two main supporting comedian, there is no comedian in it (unless you want to rank Amitabh and Shashi along comedians). The element of comic is in the story telling, script, dialogs and acting. Moreover, the comedy is spontaneous and is not forced upon the audience.

Amitabh and Shashi who have proved their chemistry in earlier movies excel in this movie with their first rate acting and dialog delivery timing. Hema Malini and Parveen Babi as love interests of Shashi and Amitabh have supported ably with their acting skills. Kader Khan has little screen presence but leaves a lasting impression as villain "Uncle" (a different flavor of villain). There is menace in his role but at the same time his acting, dialog delivery and timing evokes laughter. Not to forget is Bittoo the child artist who has acted very well and is the heart of the movie. The list of supporting cast is huge but all of them have acted well. It is necessary to mention that in this huge cast and spectra of talented actors Amitabh stands tall through his superior acting skills.

Rajesh Roshan's music composition is first rate. So are the words of lyricist Anjaan. All the songs are melodious and play-it-again kind. In songs "Mere Zindagi Ne Mujhpe Ehsaan Kyaa Kiya Hai", "Do Aur Do Paanch", "Chhoti Hai Raat", and a small portion of "Prem Se Humko Zine Do" Kishore is simply at his best. The song "Yeh Zulfon Ki Bhikri Ghatta Kya Kahti Hai (Kya Kahti Hai)" rendered by Asha Bhonsle is soothing and pleasing to ear. In "Prem Se Humho Zine Do" Lata shows her versatility. The surprise package is Mehmood's magical rendering of part two of the "Prem Se Humko Zine Do", and Rajesh Roshan rendering part two of "Do Aur Do Paanch". Furthermore, the background score is noticeable and pleasant.

Rakesh Kumar's direction is good. His direction and the script makes sure the characters of the supporting cast is memorable. For instance, Goga Kapoor has only like six scenes but he will be remembered for the beating he (Lion) gets from two donkeys in "Prem Se Humko Zine Do". Also, memorable are the cameo appearances of Om Prakash and Jagdeep. Credit also goes to the writing department (story, script, and dialogs) for giving us such a hilarious movie. Do Aur Do Paanch story has some not so apparent flaws but fast paced, linear and to the point (even when the heroes are with their heroines) story telling keeps the audience attention engaged till the end of movie and, away from the flaws.

Do Aur Do Paanch is a collectible movie. To say it again, one never gets enough of it even after several viewings.