Mahanagar (1963)
Director:
Satyajit Ray
Actors:
Subrata Mazumdar
Arati Mazumder
Bani
Priyogopal (Subrata’s father)
Sarojini (Subrata’s Mother)
Genre:
Drama
Rating:
(5’683 votes)
(5’683 votes)
Quotes:
« Arati: You wouldn't recognize me on the job.
»
« Subrata Mazumdar: What about at home? Would I recognize you at home?
»
« Arati: You don't recognize me? Tell me honestly.
»
[Subrata shakes his head no]
« Arati: Why not?
»
« Subrata Mazumdar: It all feels a bit unfamiliar. It feels a bit…
»
« Arati: What about this?
»
[points at her cheek]
« Arati: You don't recognize my mole? I'm still the same housewife.
»
« Arati: Such a big city. So many different jobs. Surely one of us can find a job.
»
« Subrata Mazumdar: [to Arati] Peace within the family is more important than money.
»
Runtime:136 minutes
Plots:
Life at home changes when a house-wife from a middle-class, conservative family in Calcutta gets a job as a saleswoman.
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?
Official website:
Satyajit Ray
