Singapore is a 1960 Hindi movie. It is an Indo Malaya production directed by Shakti Samanta. One of the first movies shot extensively outside India, the story is based totally in Singapore.

The Plot

Shyam (Shammi Kapoor) lives in India and is planning to sell his rubber estate in Singapore. His estate manager Ramesh (Gautam Mukherjee) is working on the details. Ramesh has found out that there is an old treasure hidden somewhere in the estate. He has written multiple times to Shyam but not received a response. He finally manages to speak to him and is about to share the information when he sees someone outside his cabin. The call is cut. Ramesh disappears and Shyam decides to visit Singapore to sort the matter himself.

We are introduced to Shobha (Shashikala) who was Ramesh’s friend and her cousin sister Lata (Padmini). Both are dancers in New India club owned by Lata’s uncle Shivdas (K.N. Singh). Shivdas seems to be a shady character and has an interest in Shyam’s rubber estate and the treasure. Cha Choo (Agha) who is working in Shyam’s Singapore office as secretary becomes his able(!) sidekick in the investigation.

Shyam also meets Maria, played by Malay actress Maria Menado who had sat beside him during the flight and later helps him in Singapore.

The first half is interesting. Shyam, along with Cha Choo hunt for the treasure map, cleverly hidden in a cigarette holder cum Vat 69 bottle by Ramesh. He befriends Lata and gets romantically involved with her. Shivdas arranges a picnic to the rubber estate hoping to find the treasure. But the story takes a twist here with Shivdas getting murdered and Shobha getting abducted by the gang who is after the treasure. It is revealed Ramesh is alive and held hostage by the same gang.

So, who is behind all this? The latter half of the movie gives the answers but not without Hindi movie staples including too many songs, disguises, car chases and a long-winded climax involving helicopters, a ship, boats, police jeeps and the unmasking of the villain.

The Music

Singapore had 8 songs composed by Shankar Jaikishan who were in their prime during this period with lyrics penned by Hasrat Jaipuri & Shailendra. But three of them are more memorable.

The title song by Mukesh is quite famous (Ye shehar bada albela) but somehow lacks the vibes of later songs like Love In Tokyo and An Evening in Paris. This seems a bit subdued in comparison.

Another song that stands out is Lata Mangeshkar singing for Maria Menado. The lyrics can be a catchline for Singapore tourism!!

 Dekho ji dekho sun lo ye baat, jeevan mein ek baar aana Singapore…

Its difficult to believe its Lata Mangeshkar singing, she sounds so different and the music is equally delightful.

And the third song is Rasa Sayang re picturised on Shammi Kapor and Helen, with both actors having lot of fun here. “Rasa Sayang He” is a well known traditional Malay song talking about the feeling of love.

My Thoughts

Shakti Samanta has given some all time great movies and this offering pales a bit in comparison. The film starts on a promising note but somehow falters. There are suspense elements like  the discovery of the map, Shivdas’s body’s disappearing and reappearing, entry of the masked villain. But somehow the plot points don’t add up seamlessly making the movie a tedious watch. The chemistry between Shammi Kapoor and Padmini is strikingly lacking and the romantic songs offer little help. Shammi Kapoor is most entertaining as he gets to be in various modes – romantic hero, investigator, disguised dancer and comedian. Wish the other characters too were used to their full potential.

Nevertheless, Singapore will be remembered for its outside India location and effort. Do watch if you need a glimpse of old, old Singapore!