Cast
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Madhabi Mukherjee
as Charulata
Soumitra Chatterjee
as Amal
Shailen Mukherjee
as Bhupati Dutta
Shyamal Ghoshal
as Umapada
Gitali Roy
as Mandakini (Manda)
Tarapada Basu
as
Gopaldas Bhattacharya
as
Dilip Bose
as Shashanka
Ramesh Chandra Chandra
as
Sunilkanta Dasgupta
as
Nilotpal Dey
as Joydeb
Bankim Ghosh
as Jagannath
Ajit Gupta
as
Bholanath Koyal
as Braja
Kamu Mukherjee
as Fellow Liberal at the Party
Crew
Director
- Satyajit Ray
Producer
- R.D. Bansal
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Charulata 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 1964, 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 Charulata took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 117 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 166 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1964, when this film was released:
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Charulata shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Scarlet Week, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Charulata subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Listen Up Philip and Breakfast at Tiffany's explore similar territory, Charulata stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: April 17, 1964
- Runtime: 1h 57m
Where to Watch
