Connect with us

Movies

Satyajith Ray- The Auteur Who Bestowed The Real Women On The Reel

Published

on

Images from various Sources

Satyajit Ray, the filmmaker who took India to the global level is known for his depiction of strong, bold and independent women on screen. Here are some of his best movies that represent strong women protagonists

Text credits: Lakshmi Priya

”Not to have seen the cinema of Ray means existing in the world without seeing the sun or the moon” – Akira Kurosawa, the cinema luminary quoted this about Satyajit Ray. Many years have passed and still, Ray’s movies are watched and rewatched by the film enthusiasts around the world. Ray’s movies reflected the life of normal people. His movies spoke about their dreams, aspirations, miseries. They are simple but has powerful messages. And above all, he successfully portrayed the real life of women on the big screen.

Ray’s women always appeared in their traditional attires yet having a modern outlook. They were bold and independent. Let’s take a look at some of Satyajit’s movies with strong women characters in them.

Charulata ( 1964)

Image source: youtube.com

Shot in the background of the 19th century, the movie Charulata portrays the boredom and loneliness faced by a married woman named Charulata (Madhabi Mukherjee). Charu who is living a luxurious life with her husband in Calcutta confronts ignorance from her workaholic yet loving husband. Charu gets attracted to her husband’s cousin who provides her intellectual companionship. Ray portrayed the emotional variations of Charu, who is circled with the dissatisfaction of the marriage and confusions in an extra-marital affair  The movie was way ahead of its time, bravely opened up about the sexuality and ambitions of women, which was novel during that period of time. The movie is an adaptation of the novel  Nastanirh written by the Rabindranath Tagore.

The Apu Trilogy

Image source: indianexpress.com

Capturing the love, innocence, poverty and sufferings of rural India in the reel, Apu Trilogy had garnered worldwide attention for its realistic bestowal. Pather Panchali (1955), the directorial debut of Ray is the first in the list followed by Aparajito (1956) and Apur Sansar (1959).The movie revolves around the life of Apu. Throughout the trilogy, Apu is influenced by the women in his life.  Sarbajaya (Karuna Banerjee)- his mother, Durga (Uma Dasgupta)- his sister and Aparna ( Sharmila Tagore) – his wife combines into portraying different versions of women. Durga appears to be a girl who is loving, caring and close to nature. Sarbajaya, as a dignified and bold woman who took care of the family in her husband’s absence. Aparna is represented as a loving wife who is always concerned about the well-being of her husband. The movie is the adaptation of the Bengal novel written by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay.

Devi (1960)

Image source: firstpost.com

The movie Devi is a depiction of India’s age-old superstitious beliefs. Set in the 19th-century rural-Bengal, the movie is about Dayamoyee (Sharmila Tagore), a 17-year-old girl who gets labelled as a goddess by her father-in-law. Unable to remedy the situation, Dayamoyee believes herself to be the avatar of Kali.  The movie portrays the blind faith of people and how women are victimised because of this. The movie is based on s short story written by Provatkumar Mukhopadhyay. 

Mahanagar (1963)

Image source: mubi.com

Set in the backdrop of Kolkatta, Mahanagar portrays the life of  ‘Arati’ (Madhabi Mukherjee) a married woman who set-out to work to battle the financial pressure of her family. She turns out to be the sole breadwinner of the family after her husband lost his job. Her initially supportive husband and in-laws were not happy with this but later-on accepts it. She shines on the job and turns out to be a responsible, efficient and bold woman. The movie conveys that a woman should not be restricted from working as she can be a boon to the family. Mahanagar represents how the status of women was transforming in India during the 19th century.

Ghare- Baire (1984)

Image source: upperstall.com

On the background of Swadeshi movement, the movie Ghare- Baire is the life of Bimala  (Swatilekha Sengupta), the wife of a Zamindar. Bimala loves and worships her husband as per the norms but when encouraged to discover the world outside she finds a different path. She falls in love with a swadeshi leader and tries expressing her love. Later on, Bimala realises the love of her husband and tries to mend back the relationship. Bimala portrays a woman who falls in love after her marriage which was an unusual theme in movies during the period. Satyajit Ray had wonderfully conveyed that women’s life is not only inside the house but outside as well.

Aranyer Din Ratri

Image source: upperstall.com

Aranyer Din Ratri is a movie that revolves around four friends who set out to a forest to find a break from their busy city life. In the forest, they meet two urban women- Aparna and her sister. Ray portrays Aparna as a more composed, intelligent and simple women. The movie also normalised women drinking and not afraid of experimenting their sexuality.

 

Advertisement
Comments

Movies

A Nostalgic Journey Through Love &Cinema : Best Bollywood Romantic 90s Movies

Published

on

As we reminisce about the golden era of Bollywood cinema, the 90s stand out as a time when romance reigned supreme on the silver screen. From epic love stories to heartwarming tales of passion and longing, 90s Bollywood movies have left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. If you’re in the mood for some classic romance this vacation, here’s a curated list of the best Bollywood romantic movies from the 90s that are guaranteed to make you swoon and fall in love all over again.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995):

Directed by Aditya Chopra, this iconic film starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol is a timeless masterpiece that continues to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide. With its unforgettable love story, breathtaking scenery, and soul-stirring music, “DDLJ” is a must-watch for romantics of all ages.

Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994):

Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, this beloved family drama starring Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit is a celebration of love, tradition, and togetherness. With its vibrant song and dance sequences, endearing characters, and heartwarming storyline, “Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!” remains a cherished favorite among Bollywood fans.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998):

Directed by Karan Johar, this romantic drama starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji is a quintessential love triangle that tugs at the heartstrings. With its catchy music, stylish costumes, and memorable dialogues, “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” is a nostalgic journey back to the 90s era of Bollywood romance.

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999):

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, this epic love story starring Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Ajay Devgn is a cinematic masterpiece that explores the complexities of love and sacrifice. With its grandiose sets, soulful music, and powerful performances, “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences.

Rangeela (1995):

Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, this romantic musical starring Aamir Khan, Urmila Matondkar, and Jackie Shroff is a colorful and vibrant ode to love and dreams. With its foot-tapping music, electrifying dance sequences, and captivating performances, “Rangeela” is a delightful blend of romance, drama, and entertainment.

As you embark on a nostalgic journey through the best Bollywood romantic movies of the 90s, prepare to be swept away by timeless love stories, unforgettable melodies, and iconic moments that have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Whether you’re a die-hard romantic or simply in search of cinematic escapism, these timeless classics are sure to make your vacation a memorable and magical experience. So, grab some popcorn, snuggle up with your loved ones, and let the magic of 90s Bollywood romance transport you to a world of love, laughter, and happily ever afters.

 

Continue Reading

Main Story

Feminine Characters in Bollywood Films Who Could Be Relatable

Published

on

Artistic works can occasionally achieve the ideal balance between the universal and the particular. Art has the power to unite us, despite the fact that our paths have been very different. There are songs whose words perfectly capture what you’re feeling. Alternatively, some movie stories seem to be crafted directly from your experience. Bollywood cinema has long been celebrated for its colourful storytelling, vibrant characters, and memorable performances. Over the years, we’ve seen a shift towards more nuanced and relatable portrayals of women on the silver screen. These characters not only resonate with audiences but also reflect the diverse experiences and aspirations of modern women. Here are seven feminine characters from Bollywood films who could be relatable to viewers:

Kaira from ‘Dear Zindagi‘

Potraied by Alia Bhatt, Kaira’s sleeplessness was caused by more serious problems that need counselling to resolve. I hope that more people could and would take that action. Her state of mental disarray was somewhat recognizable.

Geet from ‘Jab We Met’

Played by Kareena Kapoor Khan, Geet is a free-spirited and confident young woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after a chance encounter with Aditya, played by Shahid Kapoor. Her infectious energy, resilience, and zest for life make her a relatable and endearing character for many.

Piku from ‘Piku‘

Deepika Padukone portrays Piku, a strong-willed and independent woman who juggles her career, family responsibilities, and personal life with grace and humor. As she navigates the complexities of caring for her aging father, played by Amitabh Bachchan, Piku’s authenticity and resilience make her a relatable and inspiring character for many.

Rani from ‘Queen’

In this empowering tale of self-discovery, Kangana Ranaut shines as Rani, a young woman who embarks on a solo honeymoon trip to Europe after being jilted at the altar. As Rani navigates unfamiliar territory and embraces newfound independence, audiences are inspired by her courage, vulnerability, and unwavering spirit.

Veronica from “Cocktail” 

Deepika Padukone delivers a nuanced performance as veronica, a modern and independent woman who finds herself caught in a complicated love triangle. As veronica navigates the complexities of friendship, love, and self-discovery, audiences are drawn to her authenticity, vulnerability, and strength.

Aisha from “Wake Up Sid” 

In this coming-of-age drama, Konkona Sen Sharma plays Aisha, a young woman who moves to Mumbai to pursue her dreams of becoming a writer. As she navigates the challenges of adulthood, career aspirations, and romantic relationships, Aisha’s journey resonates with viewers who are also finding their place in the world.

Continue Reading

Movies

Arjun Ashokan Films Worth Watching

Published

on

Arjun Ashokan’s journey in malayalam cinema has been marked by versatility, passion, and a commitment to his craft. From his performances in acclaimed films like “Bramayugam” to his captivating roles in romantic dramas like “June” and “Super Sharanya,” Ashokan continues to captivate audiences with his talent and charm. As we celebrate the must watch of Arjun Ashokan’s movie roles, we look forward to witnessing his future endeavors and the indelible mark he will undoubtedly leave on Indian cinema.      

Romancham

Bramayugam

Super Sharanya

June

Ajagajantharam

 

Continue Reading

Facebook

Trending