At a Glance

Guru Dutt's AAR-PAAR follows the life of Kaalu (Dutt), a hapless man who finds love with a girl named Nikki (Shyama), but also finds plenty of trouble. The film features memorable music from O.P. Nayyar.

Detailed Information

Kaloo, a taxi driver who has landed in jail for making an accident is hualed up by the jailor only to be told that he is to be released two months earlier for his good behaviour. As Kaloo leaves, Convict no. 114 requests him to convey a certain message to one Captain. Kaloo walks along the street, happy in his newly won freedom, and encounters Nikki, a garage owner's daughter. Kaloo goes to his old employer whose taxi he used to ply but is told off for making the accident. Disappointed, Kaloo goes to his sister's where again he is insulted by his brother-in-law for having been to jail and Kaloo leaves the house unnoticed. Jobless, homeless and penniless, he takes refuge on a pavement for the night where he meets Elaichi Sandow, a street urchin.

Next morning Kaloo spots the car he had repaired, before a garage which he enters to recover his coat. He persuades the old man, Nikki's father to give him a job of a mechanic in the garage. Remembering his promise to Convist no. 114, he conveys his message to captain, living amidst strange surroundings and also meets Rita. At night Kaloo returns to the garage where Nikki's father has allowed him to stay in the nights.

In the morning Nikki's father returns from the market to find Kaloo and Nikki in an intimate pose and immediately sacks Kaloo adding a few insults. Nightfall brings Kaloo to the pavement again where he meets his old friend Elaichi Sandow with whom he spends the night. Captain, the head of a gang of criminals, is plotting to loot a bank and knowing thta Kaloo would he helpful for the purpose, offers Kaloo a taxi.

Meanwhile Nikki meets Kaloo without her father's knowledge and they are very much in love with each other. Kaloo approaches Nikki's father and asks her hand in marriage but is turned down with abusive unsults. He meets Nikki outside and tells her that she must elope with him that very night. However, Nikki torn between her love for her father and Kaloo is unable to keep her word and Kaloo leaves. Meanwhile Kaloo unknowingly plays his pasrt in the activities of captain and his gang getting himself further involved. What happens to Kaloo? Is Nikki rewarded for her love? These and other queries will be answered on the screen.