Lekh Tandon's Professor is overall an entertaining 1960s comedy. This is the story of a young man named Pritam. He must pay for his ill mother's tuberculosis treatment, but he is unemployed, and when he finds out about an appropriate job as a tutor to two young women and two school-going kids, he is desperate to get it. But the problem is that their strict aunt Sita Devi, who they live with after their parents' recent death, will never hire a young man for the job. Initially disheartened, he later hits upon the idea of disguising as an old man. And guess what, he gets the job. That's not the end of struggle. From then on, the story follows Pritam's double-life as both the old, single professor who charms the otherwise tough Sita Devi, and the young man who woos her beautiful niece Nina.
Professor is an entertaining and light-hearted film. The story is amusing and though it's clearly very unconvincing and hard to believe, this is not a major concern for me as this is just a fluffy comedy-romance which never takes itself too seriously, so neither should we. I think the appearance of the old professor is really superficially handled, as with just a fake beard and mustache, the job is done and he never looks particularly old. Having said that, the relationship between the old professor and Sita Devi remains my favourite part of the film and I prefer it many times to the typical romance between Pritam and Neena. Shakar-Jaikishan's wonderful soundtrack contributes to the film's feel-good mood. My favourite song is "Main Chali Main", an melodious tune which is unforgettable.
Shammi Kapoor does exceedingly well, but he is far better as the young Pritam, which he plays with restraint. He overdoes a bit the old Professor, but it's fun. Kalpana is pretty. Tun Tun is funny as ever in a small part. The show-stealer is Lalita Pawar, who is excellent as Sita Devi. She is strict and domineering, but she always lets us sense her soft inside, and she is the one who I ended up feeling for the most, as she really found a new hope in life. In one wonderful scene there is a brief moment when we see her looking at an old, young picture of hers. Her expression is so poignant and moving as in just a few bare seconds her eyes reveal the pain and nostalgia of a youth that is gone forever. The film's ending is disappointing, melodramatic and overdone, but Professor is overall a good watch.
