Cast
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Soumitra Chatterjee
as Dr. Ashok Gupta
Dhritiman Chatterjee
as Nishith Gupta
Dipankar Dey
as Haridas Bagchi
Ruma Guha Thakurta
as Maya Gupta
Mamata Shankar
as Indrani Gupta
Subhendu Chatterjee
as Biresh Guha (as Subhendu Chattopadhyay)
Manoj Mitra
as
Satya Banerjee
as Landlord (as Satya Bandyopadhyay)
Monu Mukherjee
as
Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee
as
Bhishma Guhathakurta
as Ranen Haldar
Rajaram Yagnik
as Mr. Bhargav
Ashok Bera
as
Sharmi Chakraborty
as
Ajit Chatterjee
as
Crew
Director
- Satyajit Ray
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, An Enemy of the People examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Satyajit Ray brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1990, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of An Enemy of the People took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 99 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1044 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 37 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1990, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While An Enemy of the People shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Even the Rain, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, An Enemy of the People subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Climate Exodus and Sacred Waters explore similar territory, An Enemy of the People stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 19, 1990
- Runtime: 1h 39m
Where to Watch
