Are you excited to see iconic filmmaker Satyajit Ray’s movies return to the big screen? Ray’s cult classic ‘Aranyer Din Ratri’ is set to re-release in a stunning 4K restoration on January 9, giving audiences a chance to experience the 1970 film in theatres once again.
Starring Sharmila Tagore, Soumitra Chatterjee, Aparna Sen and Simi Garewal, the film follows four urban men whose forest holiday slowly unfolds into a sharp commentary on class, identity and human relationships.
While you wait for its theatrical return, here are some Satyajit Ray films that are a must-watch.
‘Devi’
Start with ‘Devi’, one of Ray’s most haunting works. Set in 19th-century Bengal, the film examines blind faith and patriarchy through the story of a young woman believed to be a goddess. Sharmila Tagore’s restrained performance makes this a deeply unsettling watch.
Image Credit: Satyajit Ray Productions
‘Pather Panchali’
Next, revisit ‘Pather Panchali’, the film that introduced Ray to the world. With its lyrical realism, it captures the struggles, joys and quiet resilience of rural life, making it one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated classics.
‘Charulata’
For something intimate and emotionally rich, turn to ‘Charulata’. The film is a masterclass in portraying loneliness and unspoken desire, told through subtle glances, silences and exquisite visual storytelling. The way Ray captured the play of light and shadow in this film is still something cinematographers look up to!
‘Mahanagar’
‘Mahanagar’ feels remarkably modern even today. The film follows a middle-class woman stepping into the workforce, sensitively exploring independence, ambition and shifting family dynamics in a changing urban India.
Image Credit: Satyajit Ray Productions
‘Jalsaghar’
End your Ray marathon with ‘Jalsaghar’, a tragic tribute to a music-obsessed zamindar clinging to art and prestige as his world slowly collapses. Rich in atmosphere and music, it’s a poignant reflection on fading grandeur.
From rural realism to intimate psychological drama, Satyajit Ray’s films remain timeless. Is it any surprise that he earned an Oscar and continues to be one of India's most iconic filmmakers? Given that, revisiting or being familiar with his work promises to be an unforgettable experience for movie buffs. So, how many of his works have you watched, and which one is next on your list?
