Top 8 Old Bengali Movies You Should Watch
Throughout the 19th century, Calcutta, as the East India Company's commercial hub and the capital of British India, was always bursting with brilliant artists – whatever the art genre! In light of this historical context, it should come as no surprise that Bengali filmmakers have produced a plethora of excellent artistic and qualitative films, something that is becoming increasingly rare in an age when easy entertainment reigns supreme and meaningful cinema is pushed to the margins.
List of Best Old Bengali Movies
Pather Panchali (1955)
Okay, this one doesn't really require an introduction, but for the uninitiated: It is widely regarded as one of the best films ever created. It's also what put Satyajit Ray, the film's then-debutante director, on the map of world cinema and sparked India's parallel cinema movement.
"Song of the Little Road" is the title, which translates to "Song of the Little Road." It is the first instalment of the Apu trilogy. It is based on the same-named novel by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, published in 1929.
The film is set in rural Bengal in the 1910s and depicts Apu and Durga's upbringing growing up in a destitute family. The film's representation is realistic, but it does go towards romanticism at times. By its very nature, the picture moves at a glacial pace, in contrast to how most filmmakers like to keep their plot smooth. But be patient; it will undoubtedly stir up your feelings!
Pandit Ravi Shankar, the legendary sitar musician, provided a wonderful soundtrack that perfectly complements the picture.
Saptapadi (1961)
The film is a love drama directed by Ajoy Kar with the title "Seven Steps." It is based on Tarasankar Bandyopadhyay's novel of the same name, which was published in 1958.
It is set in 1940 and tells the storey of two Calcutta Medical College students, Krishnendu, a Hindu, and Rina, an Anglo-Indian Christian, who fall in love. It's an Othello-esque storey about two lovebirds who are pitted against society.
Apur Sansar (1959)
Satyajit Ray's Apu trilogy concludes with this film. The title translates to "Apu's World." It is regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, alongside Pather Panchali. It is based on Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay's novel Aparajito, published in 1932.
It depicts Apu's adult existence in Calcutta as an unemployed graduate. It follows the themes of its predecessors.
Charulata (1964)
Satyajit Ray directs yet another drama. It means "The Lonely Wife" in English. It is based on Rabindranath Tagore's work Nastanirh, which was published in 1901.
It is set in late-nineteenth-century Calcutta amid the Bengali Renaissance.
Charulata is the protagonist of the film, and she is married to Bhupati, a news editor. She is passionate about the arts, literature, and poetry. Bhupati is a busy man who does not have time for her, and Charulata has little job to do because everything is taken care of by multiple slaves.
The cinematography and aesthetic imagery are really Ray-esque and enjoyable.
Aranyer Din Ratri (1970)
"Days and Nights in the Forest" is the subtitle. Satyajit Ray directed this adventure drama film. It is based on Sunil Gangopadhyay's novel of the same name, published in 1968.
It is the first instalment in Ray's Calcutta trilogy (FYI: Mrinal Sen also directed a Calcutta trilogy).
The plot revolves around four individuals who are very different from one another but have strong friendship bonds. They leave the routine of city life behind and travel to the tribal areas of Palamau, Bihar, now part of Jharkhand.
Ashani Sanket (1973)
Satyajit Ray directed his debut colour film with this film. "Distant Thunder" is the title in English. It is based on the same-named novel by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, published in 1959.
Set during World War II, it depicts rural Bengal amid the worst famine in its history, the Great Famine. Gangacharan Chakravarti, a young doctor and teacher, is the protagonist. The film begins by delving into the village's traditions, which are gradually undermined in the aftermath of the famine, portraying the shift in human nature in the face of hunger and starvation.
Harano Sur (1957)
Ajoy Kar directs yet another romance drama. "The Lost Melody" is how the title translates. It was based on Mervyn LeRoy's 1942 Hollywood film "Random Harvest," which was based on James Hilton's 1941 novel of the same name.
It follows Alok, a guy who has lost his memories as a result of a train accident. He is treated at an asylum by Dr. Roma, although he is highly hostile. When he manages to flee, she brings him to Palaspur, the village where her father lives. As a result, their love blossoms, but things take an unexpected turn when he recalls his recollection.
Aparajito (1956)
"The Unconquered" is the title's translation. It's the second part of the Apu trilogy.
It picks up where Pathar Panchali left off in 1920. It covers Apu's upbringing and adolescence in Varanasi, where they seek to start a new life as his father Harihar becomes a monk. Aparajito is one of the greatest Bengali films ever made.
Old Bengali cinema is gold, and there is a long list of old classic Bengali films. We were unable to include all of the best vintage Bengali films on this list, so we chose our favourites. In the comments box, you can suggest some alternative film titles.
