Mahanagar

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Mahanagar
Image:Mahanagar2.jpg
Directed by Satyajit Ray
Written by Satyajit Ray, from a story by Narendranath Mitra
Starring Anil Chatterjee,
Madhabi Mukherjee,
Jaya Bhaduri,
Vicky Redwood,
Sefalika Devi,
Haren Chatterjee
Distributed by Edward Harrison
Release date(s) 1963
Running time 131 min
Language Bengali
IMDb profile

Mahanagar is a 1963 film directed by Satyajit Ray. It is sometimes released as The Big City in the English-speaking world. Based on a short story written by Narendranath Mitra, it tells the story of a housewife who disconcerts her traditionalist family by getting a job as a salesperson. It marks the first screen appearance of Jaya Bhaduri (now Jaya Bachchan), who would later become one of Bollywood's leading actresses.

[edit] Plot

Image:Mahanagar.jpg
A screenshot from the film

Mahanagar is set in Calcutta during the 1950s. It explores the evolving independence of a middle-class woman, Arati Mazumdar (Madhabi Mukherjee), as she takes her first job because of increasing financial pressure due to her husband's income not being enough for the family to live on. This decision is purely a financial one and is made in spite of opposition from both families. Arati subsequently grows to delight in her newfound financial and psychological independence.Eventually, her husband loses his job and she becomes the sole breadwinner, which leads to even more conflict.

[edit] Awards

Mahanagar won the Silver Bear at the 1964 Berlin Film Festival. Upon its delayed (1968) release in the United States, it drew praise from Roger Ebert, Pauline Kael and others.

[edit] External links

bn:মহানগর

de:Mahanagar (Die große Stadt)

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