Mixed response for Dev Anand`s `Hum Dono`

New Delhi: The coloured version of Dev Anand`s 1961 classic ‘Hum Dono’ has got a mixed response from cinegoers. Middle-aged people, curious to seen it in its new form, are enjoying it, while youngsters do not find it too interesting.

"The response has been terrific. It is something unheard that even after 60 years of Dev Anand being in the industry, the film is still running. It is a wonderful and a memorable movie. Our first show is houseful. I am confident that the film will do well," Piyush Raizada, director, Delight Cinema told reporters. The 1961 black and white classic has been colourised in the US and is in CinemaScope with Dolby Digital Ex surround sound. It was released in 250 screens Friday all over India - of them 101 theatres alone in Mumbai and 45 movie halls in Delhi. Directed by Amarjeet and produced by the legend himself, ‘Hum Dono’ was the last black and white film from Dev Anand`s banner Navketan and he played a double role for the first time. Set in the backdrop of war, the film is about two army men who are lookalikes and how this complicates their personal lives. Apart from Dev Anand, the film had Nanda and Sadhna in the leading roles. Some of the iconic songs composed by Jaidev include "Main zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya" and "Abhi na jaao chhodkar". But the film has failed to attract youngsters. "People in their forties, who must have watched the film in their younger years, are more curious to see the film. Youngsters don`t seem much interested," said Amit Awasthi, senior manager (Programming and Operations) Spice cinemas. Yogesh Raizada, corporate head (Cinemas) of Wave Cinemas, echoed similar views. "The response has been lukewarm. The occupancy has been just five to 10 percent. I believe it`s the generation gap that is keeping youngsters way. I don`t think it would run for long," he said. However, for Radhika Sharma, a housewife, the film was a refreshing change. "I really enjoyed the film. The coloured version was indeed a refreshing change. I was a die-hard Dev Anand fan in my teenage years. When I came to know that ‘Hum Dono` is being released in coloured version I booked first day, first show," she said. Adds Ashok Sharma, who is in government service: "It was moment of nostalgia, I would like to appeal to the filmmakers to convert such iconic films into colour." IANS