Charulata

Ray's adaptation of a short story by Rabindranath Tagore tells of the complex web of relationships and emotions of a wealthy family in Kolkata at the end of the 19th century. While Bhupati is completely absorbed in his work as a newspaper editor, his wife Charulata is bored alone in their large villa. Thus, the younger relative, who has a talent for writing, is asked to keep her company and encourage her literary talent. After a few months, their affection for each other goes beyond a literary friendship. Ray considered CHARULATA to be his best film. In 1965, he received the Silver Bear for Best Director at the Berlin International Film Festival for the second time, following the award for MAHANGAR the previous year. (gv)