Mitra, Subrata (Cinematographer), Mahanagar, 1963 | Photographic Still

Mitra, Subrata (Cinematographer), Mahanagar, 1963 | Photographic Still | CinemaEducation | 00663430

Cinematographer

Document TypePhotographic Still

Film Title

Mahanagar (The Big City), 1963, India, Bengali

Scene Description Mahanagar, much like Ray's previous films, takes an interest in the idealization of women which comes in conflict with the pater familias who rationalises the prevention of the wife from joining the workforce outside the home and hearth, to maintain order. Set in the mid 1950s, the film shows Calcutta when independent India was merely seven or eight years old and its economy was struggling with complex ramifications. The film plays out in the poor, lower-middle class family of the Mazumdars- and around Arati- who lives with her husband Subrata, son Pintu and the in-laws (the father in-law Priyagopal, mother Sarojini and sister Bani) in a suburban neighbourhood of Kalighat. The opening sequence is an eloquent depiction of the conditions in which the family is obliged to live. Sarojini is squatted beside the stove, frying fish. (1/17)

Producer

R.D. Bansal

Director

Satyajit Ray

Banner

R. D. Bansal Productions

Art Director

Bansi Chandragupta

Cast

Jaya Bhaduri Bachchan,

Anil Chatterjee,

Haren Chatterjee,

Madhabi Mukerji,

Madhabi Mukherjee,

Jaya Bhaduri Bachchan,

Tapan Chatterjee,

Sefalika Devi,

Tapen chatterjee,

Prasenjit Sarkar

Editing Dulal Dutta Music Director Satyajit Ray

Mitra, Subrata (Cinematographer), Mahanagar, 1963 | Photographic Still