'Mem-Didi' is among Hrishikesh Mukherjee's lesser known films. It has a similar feel to his other works that tell the story of the common man or woman set in a small town. The only difference is that 'Mem-Didi' is slightly more melodramatic in tone. There are some sequences that are a tad too dramatic and the script is inconsistent at times but the characters are very likable and their relationships are endearing, especially the interactions between Sher and Bahadur and Rosy. The Tanuja track was initially funny as the focus was more on the comedy but the romance felt underdeveloped. Some of the songs were pleasant to the ears and a few were unintentionally funny (especially the 'Ooh-lala' song visualized on Tanuja and her on-screen friends), Speaking of funny, the comedy works very well. All the actors, especially Lalita Pawar, Tanuja and David Abraham, have excellent comic timing. Pawar also handles the serious sequences with gusto. She owns her scene and her Rosy is far from the grumpy old women she was typecast in. Jayant is loud and theatrical but then again, his character's supposed to be over the top. Mukherjee has made another splendid little film. Even though it's flawed (and definitely not his best work), 'Mem-Didi' is endearing.
Review of Mem-Didi
