The upcoming Netflix anthology series ‘Ray’ will start streaming from Friday, June 25, 2021, onwards. ‘Ray’ is an on-screen adaptation inspired by four short stories by legendary filmmaker and author Satyajit Ray. However, this is not the first time Satyajit Ray’s works are being adapted for a Hindi language motion picture.
Most of Satyajit Ray’s literary writings and films are considered timeless classics because of his unparalleled sense of creativity, and imagination that was way ahead of its time. In this article, we give you three Hindi language films that were inspired by Satyajit Ray’s works which you can watch on various Indian OTT platforms:
1. Anukul (Streaming on YouTube)
This was Sujoy Ghosh’s second short film after he helmed the Radhika Apte starrer ‘Ahalya’. ‘Anukul’ is a science-fiction drama with a runtime of approximately 22 minutes. Set in a world where humans are being replaced by robots, a schoolteacher (played by Saurabh Shukla) buys a humanoid robot (played by Parambrata Chatterjee).
The story takes an interesting turn when the teacher’s brother hits the android. A writer imagining and executing the high-tech concept of androids during that era is proof of Satyajit Ray’s creative prowess.
2. Star (Streaming on Netflix)
Acclaimed director Dibakar Banerjee directed this segment in the Netflix anthology film ‘Bombay Talkies’. The short film was inspired by Satyajit Ray’s short story “Patol Babu, Film Star”. In the story, an out-of-job actor (played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui) gets a chance to play a small role with just one dialogue “Eh”.
Although initially disappointed, he later takes up the role after his acting mentor’s spirit (played by Sadashiv Amrapurkar) motivates him to take up the challenge and still make a difference. A beautifully written and well-directed film that is heart-warming and profound in equal measures.
3. Goopi Gawaiya Bagha Bajaiya (Streaming on Zee5)
Helmed by Shilpa Ranade, it’s an animated film that revolves around a pair of musicians called Goopi (a singer) and Bagha (a drummer). The film follows the amusing adventures of the titular characters who love to practice their arts despite their terrible talents. The film was touted as India’s first children’s film for adults.
With still a few days left for ‘Ray’ to begin streaming on Netflix, in the meanwhile, diehard fans of Satyajit Ray can watch these three films based on the works of the eminent author and one of the greatest directors of world cinema.
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