Basu Chatterji :: Critics

What Basu has wrought with total assurance in the film is a simple but moving story of simple people. He has blended dialogue, music (a haunting score from Ravindra Jain), settings, sumptuous photography (by K.K. Mahajan) and narration into a cinematic composition that commands both eye and ear and nourishes the spirit. - THE EVENING NEWS

A clever adaptation of the "Family Way" and "Dastak", Rajshri Productions' Piya Ka Ghar is an amusing, delightful story of the embarrassing trials and tribulations that a newly married couple undergo in a one-room tenement in Mumbai (Bombay) in the midst of joint family. - THE HINDU, Mumbai (Bombay)

For once the blurb -- a breezy marital comedy of newly-weds in a Mumbai (Bombay) tenement -- is an apt description of the film it is advertising. A true-to-life story, Piya Ka Ghar shows how film-makers can present a social problem and make it entertaining. - THE EVENING NEWS

Undoubtedly one of the funniest Hindi films of all time, giving a nostalgic look at young and urbane 70s Bombay.

Palekar is brilliant as the quintessential idiot in love with Vidya Sinha, but unable to express his love for her. Asrani is an excellent rival, sliming his way into the girl's heart. But there's a trump card - up in the hills is a learned oldie Ashok Kumar who has a devious plan of action in mind - to give Palekar the one-up on Asrani.

A film which abounds in natural beauty and sweet, pleasing music...Audience is more than satisfied...An ordinary and small story but described and picturised by the director colourfully...Zarina Wahab has done justice to her role - Loksatta

Slick direction and simple straight narration coupled with entertaining music makes for an excellent film...The story is very short and captivating...Camera work is very lively and different angles are used. All praise for Basuda's direction and script of the story...All credit to Rajshri for giving Yesudas to the film industry. His voice is a great asset of the film - Rasrang

Basu Chatterjee has given a realistic art film which takes audience miles away from other films full of violence, sex and superficial stories...Small incidents colourfully picturised and amusingly narrated...Classes will appreciate the film...Narration and incidents match each other...Amol seems to be seasoning...Dina Pathak is very good as the mother - Sakal

Ashok Kumar appreciated Basu Chatterjee's flair for making comedy films. The films directed by him, Chooti Si Baat, Khatta Meetha, Safed Jhooth, Tumhare Liye and Shaukeen had Ashok Kumar in the lead. In Chooti Si Baat, Ashok Kumar as Col JNW Singh, who teaches shy young men like Amol Palekar how to love a girl, was simply unsurpassable.