Aug. 26, 1955|India|125 Min.|Not Rated
Genre: Bangla;Drama
Description: “Pather Panchali” is a 1955 Bengali film set in rural Bengal during the 1910s. The story revolves around the Roy family in the village of Nischindipur. Harihar Roy, the family’s patriarch, struggles to make ends meet as a priest while dreaming of becoming a successful poet and playwright. His wife, Sarbajaya, shoulders the responsibility of caring for their two children, Durga and Apu, as well as Harihar’s elderly cousin, Indir Thakrun.
Sarbajaya often resents Indir due to their limited resources, especially when the elderly woman takes food from their already scarce supplies. Indir, unable to bear the taunts, sometimes seeks refuge with other relatives. Durga, the couple’s daughter, shares a close bond with Indir, often bringing her fruit stolen from a wealthy neighbor’s orchard. This behavior leads to accusations from the neighbor’s wife, who blames Sarbajaya for Durga’s actions.
Durga and her younger brother, Apu, share a sibling bond filled with affection and playful teasing. Together, they find joy in simple pleasures, such as watching a traveling vendor’s bioscope, chasing after the candy seller, or experiencing the excitement of a folk theater performance. The distant sound of a train’s whistle captivates them every evening, and one day, they run away to catch a glimpse of the train. However, upon their return, they discover Indir has passed away.
Harihar leaves the village in search of better opportunities in the city, promising to return with money to repair their crumbling home. During his absence, the family’s poverty deepens, and Sarbajaya grows increasingly isolated and bitter. Tragedy strikes again when Durga falls ill after playing in the monsoon rain. Without access to proper medical care, her condition worsens, and she dies on a stormy night.
Harihar eventually returns, unaware of the family’s loss, and excitedly shows Sarbajaya the goods he has brought from the city. The film poignantly captures the struggles, joys, and tragedies of the Roy family in a rural setting.
Cast director: Satyajit Ray
Cast actor: Subir Banerjee, Uma Das Gupta, Karuna Banerjee, Kanu Bannerjee, Chunibala Devi, Runki Banerjee, Reba Devi, Aparna Devi, Tulsi Chakraborty, Haren Banerjee
Original name: পথের পাঁচালী