Bengali cinema's all-time greatest comedy films

Bengali Cinema is well known for giving directorial masterpieces such as ‘Pather Panchali’, 'Nayak', ‘Gupi Gayen Bagha Bayen’. But how many of you know about the excellent works this industry has contributed to the comedy genre? Here, we have listed some of the famous comedy movies of all times that will tickle your funny bone.

'Saare Chuattor', the superhit comedy directed by Nirmal Dey had legendary actors Tulsi Chakraborty, Molina Devi, Bhanu, Jahar and one of the most loved couples of Bengali cinema - Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen. The story revolves around a boarding house, where the boarders are quite friendly, apart from Rajanibabu. The comic turn of events start as soon as a boarder called Rampriti (Uttam Kumar) and the only woman boarder (Suchitra) fall in love with each other. The way these events unfold with good humour is a total treat for every movie lover.

It’s one of the classics that Bengali comedy genre has ever produced. ‘Galpa Holeo Satyi’ is hilarious and comes with a strong social message at the same time. Directed by one of the finest directors of Bengal, Tapan Sinha the film had one of the industry's best funny men, Rabi Ghosh. It has been remade in several Indian languages, the most famous being the Bollywood hit 'Bawarchi' starring Rajesh Khanna and Jaya Bhadhuri.

It would be hard for any Indian to miss this universally loved film. Satyajit Ray penned the script of this romantic comedy. The story is about the accidental exchange of similar looking suitcases during a train journey. The protagonists Soumitra Chatterjee and Aparna Sen amazed everyone with their crackling onscreen chemistry and eventually became cinematic legends.

'Chhadmabeshi', the evergreen Bengali classic, with its awesome comic timing makes this film an ideal watch for any day. This romantic comedy which starred Uttam Kumar and Madhabi Mukherjee will never get old for Bengali movie lovers. The film was remade in Hindi by Hrishikesh Mukherjee as ‘Chupke Chupke’, which went on to become a box office hit. Dharmendra was seen reprising Uttam Kumar’s role, while Madhabi Mukherjee’s part was portrayed by Sharmila Tagore.

This was the period when Uttam Kumar was intentionally passing on the baton to the younger generation. In ‘Mouchak’, despite a handsome Ranjit Mullick, it's still Uttam who creates a lasting impression. The legendary actor made the audiences laugh with his simple performance. It’s one of those rare occasions when the famous comic trio of Robi-Anup-Chinmoy acted together. Arabinda Mukherjee, who already gave the masterpiece 'Dhanni Meye' (1971), once again showed his mastery over the comedy genre.

Directed by Salil Dutta, ‘Ogo Bodhu Sundari’ marked the last film of Uttam Kumar, that released after his demise. The film starts with the Bengali Matinee idol’s easy charm that adds comic relief to the narrative also featuring his quarrelsome wife, Sumitra. However, it’s Mousumi Chatterjee as Sabitry, who steals the show. Ranjit Mullick, Haradhan Banerjee and Santosh Dutta, all have shone brightly in their respective roles. Dialogues from this film, such as "Ami jate matal, tale thik," (I am drunk, but careful of my steps) have also had a lasting impact.

Truly one of the best things Bengali cinema has witnessed in recent times is this gem of a movie. The narrative carefully builds up with every minute detail thoroughly. The simple storyline revolves around a haunted mansion in Kolkata, along with the well-crafted characters and their amazing one-liners which turn out to be the essence of this movie. With excellent cinematography, editing, and its simple presentation, it is one of the very few current films you can watch repeatedly.

‘Charmurti’ is a 1978 Bengali classic directed by Umanath Bhattacharya and famous for having comedy legends Chinmoy Roy, Rabi Ghosh, Santosh Dutta together. It’s basically a great comedy adventure in the wilderness. The adventures of 4 high school students – Teni, Kabla, Pala and Habul will give you your dose of wholesome entertainment. The four visit Ramgarh, where their stay at a bungalow of Jhantipahar and the mysterious atmosphere, the ugly housekeeper, and few unnatural incidents ultimately only add to the narrative.