Bengali Movies That Took the World by Storm: A Journey Through the Best of the Best!

Bongo Banjo

28 Jul, 2023

Bengali cinema, also known as Tollywood, has been a prominent part of the Indian film industry for decades.

The Bengali film industry has produced some of the best movies that have captured the attention of not only the local audience but also the international audience.

These movies have showcased the art, culture, and language of West Bengal and have made a significant contribution to Indian cinema.

In this article, we will take you through the journey of the best Bengali movies that have taken the world by storm.

Introduction to Bengali Cinema

Bengali cinema is the film industry based in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is known for its artistic and intellectual qualities and has produced some of the most iconic movies in Indian cinema.

Bengali cinema is known for its realism, strong narrative structure, and deep emotions that resonate with the audience.

The Golden Age of Bengali Cinema

The golden age of Bengali cinema is considered to be the period from the 1950s to the 1970s.

During this time, the Bengali film industry produced some of the most memorable movies that are still considered classics.

The movies from this period were known for their realistic portrayal of society, strong storylines, and powerful performances by the actors.

The Best of the Best Bengali Movies

Pather Panchali (Song of the Little Road) - 1955.
Aparajito (The Unvanquished) - 1956.
Jalsaghar (The Music Room) - 1958.
Devi (The Goddess) - 1960.
Charulata (The Lonely Wife) - 1964.
Aranyer Din Ratri (Days and Nights in the Forest) - 1969.
Pratidwandi (The Adversary) - 1970
Ashani Sanket (Distant Thunder) - 1973.
Hirak Rajar Deshe (Kingdom of Diamonds) - 1980.
Ghare-Baire (The Home and the World) - 1984.
Unishe April (19th April) - 1994.
Baishe Srabon (22nd Srabon) - 2011.
Chotushkone (Four Chapters) - 2014.
Rajkahini (Partition) - 2015.
Drishtikone (Sight) - 2018.

Pather Panchali (Song of the Little Road) - 1955

Pather Panchali, directed by Satyajit Ray, is considered to be the best Bengali movie of all time. It is a masterpiece of Indian cinema and has won several national and international awards.

The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay and portrays the life of a poor family in rural Bengal.

Aparajito (The Unvanquished) - 1956

Aparajito, also directed by Satyajit Ray, is the second part of the Apu Trilogy. It follows the life of Apu, a young boy from a poor family, who moves to the city with his mother to pursue his education.

The movie won several international awards, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

Jalsaghar (The Music Room) - 1958

Jalsaghar, directed by Satyajit Ray, is a movie about a zamindar (landlord) who is obsessed with music and spends all his money on organizing concerts in his music room, even as his financial situation worsens.

The movie is known for its stunning cinematography and mesmerizing music and is considered to be one of Satyajit Ray's best works.

Devi (The Goddess) - 1960

Devi, directed by Satyajit Ray, is a movie about a young girl who is worshipped as a goddess by her father-in-law, leading to tragic consequences.

The movie explores themes of superstition, tradition, and the role of women in Indian society. The movie won several international awards, including the Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival.

Charulata (The Lonely Wife) - 1964

Charulata, also directed by Satyajit Ray, is a movie about a lonely wife who falls in love with her husband's cousin.

The movie explores themes of love, betrayal, and the search for identity. The movie is known for its beautiful cinematography and powerful performances by the actors.

Aranyer Din Ratri (Days and Nights in the Forest) - 1969

Aranyer Din Ratri, directed by Satyajit Ray, is a movie about four friends who go on a weekend trip to a forest.

The movie explores themes of class, identity, and the clash between tradition and modernity. The movie is known for its stunning cinematography and strong performances by the actors.

Pratidwandi (The Adversary) - 1970

Pratidwandi, directed by Satyajit Ray, is a movie about a young man who is struggling to find a job and a purpose in life.

The movie explores themes of unemployment, political corruption, and the generational divide. The movie is known for its realistic portrayal of society and its strong social commentary.

Ashani Sanket (Distant Thunder) - 1973

Ashani Sanket, directed by Satyajit Ray, is a movie about a famine that ravages rural Bengal during World War II.

The movie explores themes of poverty, starvation, and the impact of war on civilian life. The movie is known for its powerful storytelling and its portrayal of the human cost of war.

Hirak Rajar Deshe (Kingdom of Diamonds) - 1980

Hirak Rajar Deshe, directed by Satyajit Ray, is a movie about a totalitarian king who uses brainwashing and propaganda to control his subjects.

The movie explores themes of dictatorship, censorship, and the importance of free speech. The movie is known for its political commentary and its use of metaphor to criticize the government.

Ghare-Baire (The Home and the World) - 1984

Ghare-Baire, directed by Satyajit Ray, is a movie about a woman who is caught between her loyalty to her husband and her attraction to a revolutionary leader.

The movie explores themes of nationalism, gender roles, and the struggle for independence. The movie is known for its nuanced portrayal of complex characters and its exploration of social and political issues.

Unishe April (19th April) - 1994

Unishe April, directed by Rituparno Ghosh, is a movie about a mother and daughter who have a strained relationship but come to understand each other better after the death of the father.

The movie explores themes of grief, family, and the generation gap. The movie is known for its realistic portrayal of family dynamics and its sensitive treatment of complex emotions.

Baishe Srabon (22nd Srabon) - 2011

Baishe Srabon, directed by Srijit Mukherji, is a movie about a series of murders that are linked to a poem by a famous Bengali poet.

The movie explores themes of art, obsession, and the search for identity. The movie is known for its gripping storyline, strong performances by the actors, and its creative use of poetry.

Chotushkone (Four Chapters) - 2014

Chotushkone, directed by Srijit Mukherji, is a movie about four filmmakers who come together to make a film, but their personal lives begin to affect their work.

The movie explores themes of art, relationships, and the creative process. The movie is known for its nonlinear narrative, strong performances by the actors, and its exploration of the challenges of filmmaking.

Conclusion

Bengali cinema has produced many remarkable movies that have captured the hearts and minds of audiences around the world.

From the early works of Satyajit Ray to the more recent movies of directors like Rituparno Ghosh and Srijit Mukherji, Bengali cinema has shown a remarkable ability to tell stories that are both deeply personal and universally relevant.

Whether it is exploring complex social issues, portraying the beauty of everyday life, or delving into the depths of the human psyche, Bengali cinema has a rich tradition of storytelling that continues to inspire and move audiences today.

FAQs

What is Bengali cinema known for?
Bengali cinema is known for its powerful storytelling, realistic portrayals of society, and strong social commentary.

Who are some of the notable directors of Bengali cinema?
Some of the notable directors of Bengali cinema include Satyajit Ray, Rituparno Ghosh, and Srijit Mukherji.

What are some of the themes explored in Bengali cinema?
Bengali cinema explores a wide range of themes, including poverty, family, identity, politics, and social issues.

Which Bengali movie won the Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival?
Devi, directed by Satyajit Ray, won the Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival in 1960.

What is the significance of Bengali cinema?
Bengali cinema has a rich tradition of storytelling that has contributed to the development of Indian cinema as a whole. It has also had a significant impact on the global film industry, inspiring filmmakers around the world with its powerful and thought-provoking movies.