This is one of Satyajit Ray's movies shot and released just before he died. Starring Ray regulars who I can say are the Brandos and Pacinos of Bengali cinema this film is one of a kind Deep and intellectual. It is a story of a family who was hastily assembled together in a colonial mansion by the deathbed of its patriarch who has suffered from a heart attack. The father is an idealist who was a freedom fighter and still is active in politics hoping that something could be done to correct the path the country (India) has taken (post independence) and stem the rot that had set in society. Gathered by his side are his sons who have all carved a distinct path through the maze we call society. Yes! They are successful. But his sense of failure comes from the fact his ideals and values have not seeped into the conscience of his off springs. The film shows the audience why and how that happened. Ultimately it's all about the rot that has set in the moral fabric of his family and his feeling how can he correct the society if he can't instill the same values in his family? This ultimately contributes to his sorrow, frustration and finally his death.
Had this film been a Hollywood project helmed by a A listed director and starring A listed actors this surely would have dominated the Oscars that year. The development of the story is brilliant and so is the direction (its Ray for crissakes) but people who don't like slow moving artsy movies won't share my sentiments. That's for sure. But for connoisseurs of Ray it's a classy picture. Do yourself a favor. Watch it!
