7 Best Old Best Bengali Movies You Need To Watch
- Pather Panchali (1955)
“Pather Panchali” is a 1955 Indian Bengali-language film directed by Satyajit Ray. The film tells the story of a poor family living in a rural village in West Bengal, India. The family consists of a young boy named Apu, his older sister Durga, their parents, and their elderly aunt. The film is a coming-of-age story that follows Apu’s journey from childhood to adolescence, as he navigates the challenges of poverty and the complexities of family relationships.
The film is notable for its realistic and poetic portrayal of rural Indian life, and for its nuanced exploration of themes such as poverty, loss, and the beauty of the natural world. It also features a memorable score by Indian classical musician Ravi Shankar. “Pather Panchali” is the first installment in Satyajit Ray’s acclaimed Apu Trilogy, which includes the films “Aparajito” (1956) and “Apur Sansar” (1959).
- Aynabaji (2016)
“Aynabaji” is a 2016 Bangladeshi film directed by Amitabh Reza Chowdhury. The film follows the story of a man named Ayna who works as an actor-for-hire, impersonating various people in order to solve their problems. However, Ayna’s past catches up with him when he is accused of a crime that he did not commit.
The film is a psychological thriller that explores themes of identity, reality, and the nature of truth. It also features elements of social commentary, as it touches on issues such as corruption, class inequality, and the power dynamics in Bangladeshi society. The film’s unique storytelling style, which incorporates elements of magic realism and non-linear narrative, has been praised by critics and audiences alike. “Aynabaji” was a commercial and critical success in Bangladesh, and helped to establish Amitabh Reza Chowdhury as a prominent filmmaker in the country.
- The World of Apu (1959)
“The World of Apu” is a 1959 Indian Bengali-language film directed by Satyajit Ray. It is the final installment in Ray’s acclaimed Apu Trilogy, following “Pather Panchali” (1955) and “Aparajito” (1956). The film tells the story of a young man named Apu, who is struggling to make a living as a writer in Kolkata, India. He meets and falls in love with a woman named Aparna, but tragedy strikes their relationship, forcing Apu to confront his own mortality and find a way to move forward with his life.
The film is a meditation on the human condition, exploring themes such as love, loss, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. It features Satyajit Ray’s signature poetic and naturalistic style, and is known for its powerful performances, particularly by lead actor Soumitra Chatterjee. “The World of Apu” is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Indian cinema, and has been praised for its universal themes and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries.
- Aparajito (1956)
“Aparajito” is a 1956 Indian Bengali-language film directed by Satyajit Ray. It is the second installment in Ray’s acclaimed Apu Trilogy, following “Pather Panchali” (1955) and preceding “The World of Apu” (1959). The film tells the story of a young boy named Apu, who moves with his family from their rural village to the city of Varanasi, where his father works as a priest.
As Apu grows older, he begins to feel restless in his new environment and struggles to find his place in the world. He also must deal with the challenges of his family’s changing circumstances, including his father’s death and his mother’s struggles to provide for them.
The film is a poignant and lyrical exploration of themes such as family, tradition, and the struggles of youth. It features Satyajit Ray’s signature naturalistic style, and is known for its beautiful cinematography and powerful performances. “Aparajito” was a critical and commercial success in India and abroad, and helped to establish Satyajit Ray as one of the most important filmmakers of the 20th century.
- Monpura (2009)
“Monpura” is a 2009 Bangladeshi film directed by Giasuddin Selim. The film is a romantic drama set in a small island village in Bangladesh. The story revolves around a young man named Rais who falls in love with a girl named Jhinuk, who is visiting the island from Dhaka. Despite their different backgrounds and the disapproval of their families, Rais and Jhinuk are determined to be together.
The film is known for its beautiful cinematography, capturing the natural beauty of the island and its people. It also features a memorable musical score, which incorporates elements of traditional Bangladeshi music. “Monpura” is a poignant and heartwarming tale of love and perseverance, with themes that resonate with audiences both in Bangladesh and beyond. The film was a critical and commercial success, and helped to establish Giasuddin Selim as a prominent filmmaker in Bangladesh.
- Charulata (1964)
“Charulata” is a 1964 Indian Bengali-language film also directed by Satyajit Ray. The film is based on a novella by Rabindranath Tagore and tells the story of a woman named Charulata, who is married to a wealthy newspaper owner in 19th century Calcutta.
Charulata is a talented writer and artist who feels unfulfilled and lonely in her marriage. She finds solace in the company of her brother-in-law, who shares her love of literature and encourages her creativity. As their friendship deepens, Charulata begins to realize her true feelings for him but must confront the social and personal consequences of her desires.
The film is a sensitive and nuanced exploration of themes such as love, creativity, and the complexities of human relationships. It is known for its stunning cinematography and rich visual symbolism, as well as its powerful performances, particularly by lead actress Madhabi Mukherjee. “Charulata” is widely regarded as one of Satyajit Ray’s greatest works and a masterpiece of Indian cinema, and has been praised for its timeless themes and its ability to speak to audiences across cultures and generations.