May 2nd marks the birth anniversary of the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray and it is an opportunity to delve into his timeless cinematic legacy. Satyajit Ray, affectionately known as Manik Da, was not merely a director; he was a magician who seamlessly wove intellect and emotions into stories, leaving an indelible mark on the global cinematic landscape. Today, we retrace some of the cinematic marvels of Satyajit Ray that are available on OTT platforms.
Satyajit Ray- The Man of Brilliance
Born in Kolkata on May 2, 1921, Satyajit Ray’s journey as a filmmaker began with his iconic work, Pather Panchali (1955), the first instalment of the mind-blowing Apu Trilogy. Set in a rural Bengali village, the film chronicles the struggles of Apu and his family, capturing the essence of everyday life with unparalleled realism.
Satyajit Ray directed 36 films in his entire lifetime, which included feature films, documentaries and short films. He won the National Award for the Best Director over six times, which is the most by any filmmaker so far. In total, he won 32 National Awards from the Government of India. Satyajit Ray’s first movie, Pather Panchali won him eleven international prizes, including the inaugural Best Human Document award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1956. In 1992, the Academy of Motion Pictures awarded him an honorary Oscar in recognition of his craft.
Exploring Satyajit Ray’s Cinematic Universe
Pather Panchali
Satyajit Ray’s directorial debut portrays the impoverished yet resilient existence of a Bengali family in a rural village. Through the eyes of young Apu, the audience witnesses the joys and sorrows of life amidst nature’s beauty and harsh realities.
Where to Watch: Available on Eros.
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Aparajito
The second instalment of the Apu Trilogy follows Apu’s journey as he navigates the complexities of adolescence and familial responsibilities in Varanasi. Ray masterfully captures the universal themes of growth, separation, and the passage of time.
Where to Watch: Available on Eros and Prime Video.
Jalsaghar
Inspired by Tarasankar Bandyopadhyay’s short story, Jalsaghar delves into the decline of a zamindar’s lavish lifestyle as he clings to his past glories amidst societal changes. Ray’s evocative storytelling and haunting visuals elevate this tale of pride and decadence.
Where to Watch: Available on Prime Video.
Sonar Kella
Sonar Kella is the adaptation of one of his detective stories by the same name, which revolves around the story of a 6-year-old boy Mukul and his visions of a fort made up of gold. Sonar Kella was one of Ray’s most commercially successful films, winning Ray two National Awards.
Where to Watch: Available on Prime Video, Zee5
Nayak
Nayak is a 1966 Bengali film that revolves around a matinee idol on a 24-hour train journey from Kolkata to Delhi. The film is the story of Uttam Kumar who was mercilessly shot down by a gritty reporter played by Sharmila Tagore. The film won a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Bengali and also a national award for the screenplay.
Where to Watch: Available on Prime Video and MUBI
Honoring Ray’s Enduring Legacy
Satyajit Ray’s contributions to cinema extend beyond his directorial achievements. He was a multifaceted artist, excelling as a publisher, writer, illustrator, and composer. On his birth anniversary, let us celebrate the genius of Satyajit Ray, whose timeless stories continue to resonate with audiences, reminding us of the profound beauty and complexity of the human experience. As we revisit his iconic films, we pay homage to a master storyteller whose legacy remains etched in the annals of cinematic history.
