"Angoor" is an Indian film based on one of Shakespeare's more obscure plays--"A Comedy of Errors". It is so obscure that there are very few versions of the story in film, so if you are curious about it, see this film. However, you might see some similarities to a couple films which may or may not have been influenced by Shakespeare--"Big Business" and "Start the Revolution Without Me". All are about two pairs of twins who have been separated since childhood and have no idea the other exists.
The film begins with some rich Indian parents doting over their twin boys. A very short time later, the husband learns that another set of twins have been abandoned nearby and brings them home to be servants to his two boys as they grow. I know this is pretty strange but bear with it. Now what happens next is pretty clear in the play but in the film it is not--there's just some crappy stock footage and the story doesn't really explain it well. But what you soon realize happened is that there was a shipwreck and the boys got separated--one twin from each set got raised by one of the parents. That's because they thought the others were dead when the boat sank--but Dad raised two and Mom, separately raised the other two. Although totally bizarre, both sets of mismatched also use the same names--so there are two Ashoks and Badahars being raised in different parts of India.
Many years pass. One set of mismatched twins is traveling to a city where they've never traveled. BUT, people seem to recognize them! Ashok #1 thinks that perhaps there is some sort of scam going on by some gang and he becomes quite paranoid. When Ashok #1 goes out for the day, he leaves his brother, Badahar #1 back at the hotel to guard their money from these 'thieves'. But, in the market, Ashok #1 sees Badahar #2 and slaps him--how dare he NOT stay at the hotel and watch the money!! Now if this sounds goofy, it gets REALLY goofy when Ashok #2's sister-in-law sees Ashok #1 and Badahar #2 and INSISTS they come home! The men have no idea who this woman is and they only go with her because a cop (who knows Ashok #2) threatens to arrest him if he doesn't go home with the sister-in-law!! And, when they arrive, BOTH learn they have wives--though in reality both #1s are bachelors!! Things are crazy--and it only gets worse! The original Shakespeare title was perfect for this film--it's a wonderful comedy of errors. While it's not the deepest story (and this could be why Shakespeare buffs haven't embraced it like his more famous plays), it is MUCH more approachable and enjoyable than his other work. As for me, I'd MUCH rather see this than "Romeo and Juliet" or "Hamlet"! But even if you don't agree, you have to really enjoy "Angoor" if you see it--whether you are a Shakespeare fan or not. Very funny, clever and fun! And, now one of my favorite Indian films.
By the way, although it in no way harms enjoyment of the film, the DVD copy I saw of "Angoor" was very badly scratched and in need of conservation.
The film begins with some rich Indian parents doting over their twin boys. A very short time later, the husband learns that another set of twins have been abandoned nearby and brings them home to be servants to his two boys as they grow. I know this is pretty strange but bear with it. Now what happens next is pretty clear in the play but in the film it is not--there's just some crappy stock footage and the story doesn't really explain it well. But what you soon realize happened is that there was a shipwreck and the boys got separated--one twin from each set got raised by one of the parents. That's because they thought the others were dead when the boat sank--but Dad raised two and Mom, separately raised the other two. Although totally bizarre, both sets of mismatched also use the same names--so there are two Ashoks and Badahars being raised in different parts of India.
Many years pass. One set of mismatched twins is traveling to a city where they've never traveled. BUT, people seem to recognize them! Ashok #1 thinks that perhaps there is some sort of scam going on by some gang and he becomes quite paranoid. When Ashok #1 goes out for the day, he leaves his brother, Badahar #1 back at the hotel to guard their money from these 'thieves'. But, in the market, Ashok #1 sees Badahar #2 and slaps him--how dare he NOT stay at the hotel and watch the money!! Now if this sounds goofy, it gets REALLY goofy when Ashok #2's sister-in-law sees Ashok #1 and Badahar #2 and INSISTS they come home! The men have no idea who this woman is and they only go with her because a cop (who knows Ashok #2) threatens to arrest him if he doesn't go home with the sister-in-law!! And, when they arrive, BOTH learn they have wives--though in reality both #1s are bachelors!! Things are crazy--and it only gets worse! The original Shakespeare title was perfect for this film--it's a wonderful comedy of errors. While it's not the deepest story (and this could be why Shakespeare buffs haven't embraced it like his more famous plays), it is MUCH more approachable and enjoyable than his other work. As for me, I'd MUCH rather see this than "Romeo and Juliet" or "Hamlet"! But even if you don't agree, you have to really enjoy "Angoor" if you see it--whether you are a Shakespeare fan or not. Very funny, clever and fun! And, now one of my favorite Indian films.
By the way, although it in no way harms enjoyment of the film, the DVD copy I saw of "Angoor" was very badly scratched and in need of conservation.