MartinHafer "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.

Chrysanthepop Gulzar's hilarious adaptation of Shakespeare's 'The Comedy of Errors' offers ample laugh out loud moment. Gulzar's poetic writing is loaded with humour and he gives this superb adaptation its own unique touch. He successfully avoids the usually melodrama (that flooded in most Bollywood films) and I liked that he doesn't waste too much time in needlessly elaborating the story. For example, the separation of the twins and how they were raised is told in a simple dialogue (which is adequate). Very quickly, after introducing the charming characters, Gulzar quickly moves to the double trouble confusion and he does it with wit, sarcasm and loads of comedy.It's also well-made on the technical side. The cinematography is very good and the way the images of the actors are juxtaposed (to show the twins in one scene) is well conducted. There are a few songs but they are well utilized and the lyrics are magic (thanks to a great poet's touch).Sanjeev Kumar and Deven Verma are turn on their comic flair to the maximum. Their abilities in comedy are very well known and this is a prototype in their careers. A lovely Moushumi Chatterjee, cute and vivacious Deepti Naval and funny Aruna Irani lend excellent comedic support.Not only does 'Angoor' prove that Gulzar can tackle comedy with class but also that he is one of the most versatile directors today. This is one of India's finest adaptations of a Shakespeare work.

powerbrain A very nice and clean situational comedy that will drive you crazy. There are no such dialogues used in this movie that makes us laugh, but the situation is such that it makes us laugh like anything.2 pairs of Sanjeev Kumar and Deven Verma gets separated and later creates mis-understandings due to same names.The movie is old but it appeals to masses. Even today someone from 21st century can enjoy Angoor. Gulzar has created a master-piece. Acting of sanjeev kumar and deven verma is a class in its own.Angoor is worth every penny and time you spent.We are proud that we had film-makers like gulzar and actors like sanjeev kumar and deven verma in our cinema.

pchojar I saw this movie yesterday and nearly fell off my sofa, laughing. Even now I cant stop smiling every time I think of various scenes from the movie. Especially the scene in which Deven Verma barks like a dog is so cute. The plot line about a gang is great touch.Hats off to Gulzar for such a well thought-out script. Even though, it is a copy of Comedy of Errors, but still I've seen so many perfect stories being ruined by Bollywood, that this one is a relief. I cannot think a single other recent movie which is made with so much thought, a lot more money perhaps, but not much thought.Highly recommended...!!