Balki’s Cheeni Kum is not a typical Bollywood film. It’s a May-December love story. It shows the love between two mature people. Buddhadev, who is in autumn of his years, falls in love with Delhi-based Nina Varma who is in her 30’s.
Buddha is a 60 year-old man and he is the owner of a restaurant in London which specializes in Indian food. He is uptight, pompous and egoistic. He lives with his 85 year-old mother. Buddha is a top chef and his restaurant is London’s best Indian restaurant. He prides himself over the fact that not once has his dish ever been returned by a customer. The dishes are always garnished with finesse. His food is scrumptious, mouthwatering and full of flavors. His customers love it. He believes that other restaurants offer food which is attractive to the eyes but his restaurant offers food which is not only attractive to the eyes, but to the nose and tongue as well. He believes that food is about feelings and emotions. The interior of his restaurant is sheen and beautiful, and is decorated in black and white. It offers a peaceful and modern dining experience. It is an Indian restaurant but the designing and the environment is all western. Candle-lit tables with black and white settings give an eastern look to the restaurant and the environment is quiet and customer friendly. The taste of the food is spot on. Flavors burst into the mouth with every bite. Every ingredient enhances the taste of the dish and every dish is cooked to perfection, taking the customers to a journey of vast delicious flavors.
One day a customer (Nina) sends back Hyderabadi Zafrani Pulao, complaining that it is sweet. Buddha, who is confident that his chefs can never make such a mistake, does not take this criticism well. He confronts the customer and her friend which results in them leaving the restaurant. Buddha comes to know that the Zafrani Pulao was indeed sweet and that Nina was right, so he decides to make amends by lending her his umbrella on one rainy day in London. This leads to their friendship and subsequently they fall in love and decide to get married.
Nina cuts short her visit and goes back to India as her father is hospitalized. Buddha also goes to Delhi to ask for Nina’s hand in marriage from her now fully-recovered father. After a great deal of hesitation Buddha asks her father Om Prakash, who is several years younger than Buddha. Om Prakash abruptly refuses the proposal and when Nina pushes him to say yes, he goes on a hunger strike until Nina leaves her lover.
The performances of both Amitabh (Buddha) and Tabu (Nina) are of the highest quality. Both lead actors impress the audience with their comical timings. Cheeni Kum should be watched specially by the people who are young at heart and love fine dining.
Contributed by Areeba Mansab.
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