Life at home changes when a house-wife from a middle-class, conservative family in Calcutta gets a job as a saleswoman.Life at home changes when a house-wife from a middle-class, conservative family in Calcutta gets a job as a saleswoman.Life at home changes when a house-wife from a middle-class, conservative family in Calcutta gets a job as a saleswoman.
Sefalika Devi
- Sarojini (Subrata's Mother)as Sarojini (Subrata's Mother)
- (as Shephalika Devi)
Haradhan Bannerjee
- Himangshu Mukherjeeas Himangshu Mukherjee
- (as Haradhan Banerjee)
Calcutta in the early 1960's. Bhambal supports his wife, his parents, his teenage sister, and his young son. Money is tight, so his wife Arati goes to work. She's successful and enjoys it, but this nontraditional step throws the household into chaos: her in-laws initiate a "cold war" of silence and disapproval. When Bhambal loses his job, her working is essential; he loses self respect, and the gulf between them widens. At work, her friendship with Edith, a Anglo-Indian who smokes, swears, and uses lipstick, brings Arati close to impertinence with her genial boss. Her job is in peril, she acts impulsively, and who will understand her actions? —<jhailey@hotmail.com>
Top review
A Real Treat From India
Life at home changes when a house-wife from a middle-class, conservative family in Calcutta gets a job as a saleswoman.
According to Roger Ebert, "the power of this extraordinary film seems to come in equal parts from the serene narrative style of director Satyajit Ray and the sensitive performances of the cast members." He described Mahanagar as "one of the most rewarding screen experiences of our time".
Ebert, as usual, is spot on. This film was a stunning surprise for me. With very few exceptions, I have found the "great" Indian films to be a let down, and the modern Bollywood film is just unbearable. This was, however, a treat and a great exploration of culture. The idea of women working and how that affects the esteem of their husbands is not unique to India, but there are certain themes -- the reaction of her father-in-law! -- that are unlike what you might see in an American film.
According to Roger Ebert, "the power of this extraordinary film seems to come in equal parts from the serene narrative style of director Satyajit Ray and the sensitive performances of the cast members." He described Mahanagar as "one of the most rewarding screen experiences of our time".
Ebert, as usual, is spot on. This film was a stunning surprise for me. With very few exceptions, I have found the "great" Indian films to be a let down, and the modern Bollywood film is just unbearable. This was, however, a treat and a great exploration of culture. The idea of women working and how that affects the esteem of their husbands is not unique to India, but there are certain themes -- the reaction of her father-in-law! -- that are unlike what you might see in an American film.
helpful•20
- gavin6942
- Sep 21, 2017
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