Stylish And Iconic Even After 50 Years – Teesri Manzil

Murder mysteries/suspense thrillers have no repeat read/watch value. Once the murderer is revealed or the suspense is resolved the thrill of reading the book or watching a thriller ends then and there. But it can be done so repeatedly depending upon how the story reaches its crescendo. Many characters are re-found, the story takes new colour and dimension and the mystery and suspense in the end have newer meaning and strangely surprise more and afresh.

Teesri Manzil (1966), the teamwork of Vijay Anand and Nasir Hussain is one such example. Even 50 years down the history, it looks fresh. This movie is one of the landmarks in the history Hindi Cinema.The audience is enthralled by a spellbound plot, music, dance, songs and suspense saga. Beautifully shot and choreographed, this film is a gripping tale of suspense, drama, and a flavor of humor that keeps the audience excited even today. The terrific opening credits, in a very stylish Pancham kind of theme music gives the viewers an idea of what lies ahead!!
Vijay Anand is as crisp and precise in his direction as he was in Guide (1965). He knew the art of making a crime thriller so much so that it can be easily called as Vijay Anand genre. Song picturization being his greatest asset and talent, he made a strong place for himself in this genre. Balancing between style and substance, without going overboard, he made films which are still in sync with the world.
Without elaborating much on the flashback, Nasir Hussain, as the story writer manages a strong storyline. It makes your heart skip a beat even post 50 years!! It is a satisfying entertainer where romance and style is served in dollops.

A fantasy world of dim lit nightclubs and cabarets, refreshing and zealous soundtrack by R.D. Burman make it a screen extravaganza. O Haseena Zulfonwali certainly happens to be one of the best picturised songs and elaborately done, where Helen looks all exquisite and delectable and raises the style quotient even more, matching her steps with the flamboyant Shammi Kapoor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVIE72WqEcI

Following this iconic song, the other timeless songs like Aaja Aaja Mein Hoon Pyar Tera , Tumne Mujhe Dekha Ho Kar , O Mere Sona re, Deewana Mujhsa Nahi wonderfully performed by Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh, take the cake. But besides these songs which made history, there is another song which remains underrated till date. Dekhiye Sahibon Wo Koi Aur Thi which is fantastically picturised by Vijay Anand, on a Giant Wheel, is one of a kind song. The mischief in Rafi’s voice, the effervescence in Asha Bhonsle’s voice, the unusual instrumentation by Pancham and the playfulness and exuberance brought on screen by Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh is worth many a watch!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLHyatatPsU

Prem Chopra, Asha Parekh and Premnath have given out-and-out brilliant performances. And don’t we just love the funny, roguish and mischievous Rocky played by Shammi Kapoor!!
Teesri Manzil is an original art piece with a simple story narrated in a unique manner. A true treasure, evergreen, immaculate and extremely fitting.

Here’s what R D Burman says about Teesri Manzil and its music!!