Deanna
There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.
Peter Young
Seeta Aur Geeta is according to me one of the best comedy films ever made in India. Apart from its wonderful screenplay, exceptionally funny proceedings, and the fantastic blend of comedy, romance and action, there's another very good reason to watch it which is also the main reason: Hema Malini. Ramesh Sippy makes a wise choice by casting her as she brings the film to life with her natural charm and beauty. Without a doubt, the script is another winner, and technically the film was quite innovatory for the time. The result is a picture that is terribly entertaining and memorable.Seeta and Geeta, both played by Malini, are identical twin sisters who were separated at birth. 17 years later: Seeta lives unhappily with her paternal uncle and his cruel wife in her deceased parents' mansion, and is literally treated like a slave, while Geeta, who was stolen by a gypsy couple at birth, lives happily a poor lifestyle with her mother. Seeta is presented as a shy, traditional and highly reticent girl, while Geeta is a bubbly, energetic, brave and vivacious girl who works as a street dancer to feed herself and in her free-time is a real prankster who indulges in playing marbles with kids.The comedy of errors begins when Seeta, unable to tolerate her ill-fate any longer, runs away from home, and the two estranged sisters accidentally swap places. This is done through a series of scenes which are full of comedy and humour. The police station sequence is awesome, to say the least. The moment we see Geeta hanging on to the ceiling fan with such comfort is unforgettable. But the greatest fun happens in the big mansion, where the aunt, her brother and daughter think they can maltreat Seeta again. What they don't know is that it is not Seeta, but Geeta! And what happens then is such a hilarious show to watch.It must be noted that it's not just about the comedy; the movie has depth even in the dramatic portions. Seeta's torture is successfully disturbing, and there you can see a great deal of dramatic tension which is often overlooked. Some of the scenes in which Geeta finally makes justice may be entertaining, but they are much more than just that. See Geeta's interaction with her grandmother, the moment she makes the old woman take her real place in the house, the moment she stands up for the servant when he gets physically abused, or the one when she breaks the norm by refusing to count the money brought by the lawyer, placing full trust in his services. You will understand what I'm referring to.Hema Malini, in one of her finest performances ever, is simply splendid and marvelous. She gets two completely different roles to play with very distinct temperaments and personalities (one is a dramatic role and the other is a comic one), and she plays them so brilliantly, skillfully and convincingly that it's impossible to believe it is one woman playing these two characters. As a kid I actually used to think these were two different women who were just similar looking. She is moving and compelling as Seeta, but it's the character of Geeta that remains with you forever, because it shows the most colourful shades of her personality and utilises her superb comic timing to the fullest.The rest of the cast members, including Sanjeev Kumar and Dharmendra, support well. Kumar never ceased to impress with his natural ease and here he is very likable. Dharmendra does exceedingly well as the lonely drunkard. Roopesh Kumar is also well cast as the villain. The elderly women -- Pratima Devi as the grandmother and Radhika Rani as Geeta's foster mother -- are very good, but undoubtedly it is Manorama who stands out as the twins' cruel, evil and hilarious aunt. Her plump, amusingly hypocritical, heavily made-up and caricaturish Kaushalia is according to me one of the most memorable and funny characters in Hindi cinema history. Manorama is just exceptional in a wonderfully acted comic role, which significantly contributes to making this film the classic that it is.R.D. Burman's music is outstanding. All the songs are lovely, from the happily exciting "Oh Saathi Chal" to the catchy "Zindagi Hai Khel" to the ballad "Haan Ji Haan". And speaking of modern, the film portrays the modern-day India very well. Ramesh Sippy's direction is excellent, ditto for the cinematography, the editing and the action. The camera work and the stunts were definitely ahead of the times. The movie never gets boring; it is fast-paced, engaging and interesting. Many films with similar story lines have been made before and after, but frankly they all pale in comparison to this one. Seeta Aur Geeta is one of the best-made Indian films of its time, one of the most accomplished entertainers - a masterful work of timeless proportions.
Chrysanthepop
I found 'Seeta Aur Geeta' to be a thoroughly enjoyable flick. One can expect lots of laughter from this comedy. Even though in terms of story, this isn't much different from other dual role comedies but it still is a charming film. Ramesh Sippy is a good director (even though I find 'Sholay' overrated) as he sticks to the main story. The beautiful Hema Malini plays the title roles and she brilliantly pulls it off. Seeta is the boring, pushover, damsel in distress sister and Geeta is the street smart, bold, charming and mischievous one. It is the Hema Malini who plays Geeta that stands out. She proves her capability as a comedian and is a fun treat to watch. Sanjeev Kumar is excellent as the doctor who falls in love with Geeta (this actor can hardly do wrong in my books). It is his scenes with Malini that I enjoyed most. Dharmendra tends to overact, particularly as the drunk, but otherwise he is alright. I love all the songs though 'Maine Sharab Pee Hai' is the least favourite. My favourite ones are the two duets sung by Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle. Overall, 'Seeta Aur Geeta' is a charming comedy of errors. A classic indeed.
Ace_of_Hearts
Who has never seen a twin movie? Ever since the rise of the Olson twins Disney and such production companies have produced one twin movie after another. But who remembers the days when turning one person into two people in the same frame wasn't a mere matter of computer technology and whiz kids, but when it was a question of magic. To this day I am amazed at the high technical quality of the Parent Trap with none other than Hayley Mills. This same amazement came over me when I saw Seeta aur Geeta, for it is Bollywood's version of the Parent Trap.POSSIBLE SPOILERSOn a very rainy night a man and his very pregnant wife seek refuge in a strangers house. There the woman gives birth to two beautiful girls. The woman who helps her deliver cannot have children and in a moment of 'madness' she decides to keep one of the girls. Although the couple is torn over what they have done, they believe it was meant to be especially when upon departure the newly father exclaims his gratitude by saying that if he had had twins he would have surely given one to them.This is how Seeta and Geeta are seperated at birth. Seeta who is raised by her real parents grows up in a very wealthy home. Unfortunately at a very young age her parents die and her aunt and uncle move in with her. They mistreat her horribly. Rather than treat her as family, they treat her as a slave. Geeta on the other hand grows up in a very poor, but very loving home. As nice and demure as Seeta is, so mischievous and perky Geeta is. Together with her friend Raka she pulls one scam after another. Through a twist of fate the two sisters unknowingly change places. As Geeta Seeta finds the love of a mother she has never known. Whereas Geeta discovers the fortunes she has always craved. Ofcourse the families are baffled by the sudden changes in characters of the two girls. Suddenly their bold scam artist is cooking and cleaning and sowing. And their demure houseslave is giving as good as her sister got in the past.Ofcourse this situation cannot go on and after a few romantic escapades with Raka and Ravi, events start to unfold and eventually the story reaches its climax.This movie although in story quite different from The Parent Trap, is extremely funny. Hema Malini is absolutely brilliant as both the good girl and the bad girl. And one can't help but cheer her on. I know I was right there with her on the front line when she was teaching her auntie a lesson or two. The story is also well thought out. Unlike many Bollywood movies it doesn't have too many weird twists and turns. I say this with a little apprehension because naturally any movie that involves two twins changing places by accident or otherwise has some weird twists and turns. However, one takes those for granted when watching two young women fall in love, discovering and appreciating the love of their family and reaching their full potential. If only Bollywood made more movies like this.*****/5 stars
