Home » Photos » Charulata to Kabuliwala: 8 must-watch films that are adapted from Rabindranath Tagore's writings
Charulata to Kabuliwala: 8 must-watch films that are adapted from Rabindranath Tagore's writings
India's first noble laureate Rabindranath Tagore is celebrated for his writing and paintings. Many films in India have been adapted from his stories that have received critical acclaim and become cult classics. Here is a list of eight must-watch films you need to binge on. These classics are based on Tagore’s writings.
Rabindranath Tagore and his literature
Rabindranath Tagore became India's first noble laureate with his novel Geetanjali. The author-painter has been celebrated since then and many of his works have been adapted into Hindi and Bengali cinema. Satyajit Ray, an academy award-winning director was an ardent devotee of his work and based many of his works on Tagore's works. Some of these films have been cult classics like Do Bigha Zameen, Kabuliwala, Charulata, and many more. Have a look at eight must-watch films that are based on Rabindranath Tagore's stories…,
1/8
Bioscopewala
Bioscopewala is a 2017 Hindi drama film directed by Deb Madhukar. Adapted from the short story of Kabuliwala by Rabindranath Tagore, the film features a Bioscopewala, a man from Kabul, Afghanistan who travels distances and shows films to children through his bioscope. He encounters a small girl named Minnie on his journey and the film features the relationship that these two share over the years. The film features Danny Denzongpa and Geetanjali Thapa in lead roles. The film is a drama that will hook you to the screens and will take you to the older times of the British era. A must-watch for all cinephiles and bibliophiles to reminisce about Tagore and his award-winning stories. The movie is available on Disney+Hotstar.
2/8
Postmaster
The 2016 film Postmaster is adapted from Tagore's short story of the same name. Directed by Srijon Bardhan, the film features Ishaan Mazumdar and Pujarini Ghosh in lead roles. The film is a love story between Nanda, played by Ishaan and Ratna, played by Pujari. Nanda is from a high caste while Ratna belongs to the low caste. These societal norms of caste get in the way of their relationship and the film focuses on the struggle that they face amidst all these hardships. The film showcases some spectacular performances by the actors and is a delightful tribute to Tagore's work.
3/8
Lekin...
The Gulzar-directed Hindi drama mystery is loosely based on Tagore's story Kshudhit Pashan. The film was released in 1991 with Vinod Khanna, Dimple Kapadia, Amjad Khan, Alok Nath, and Beena Banerjee in lead roles. The interesting plotline of the film revolves around a ghost named Reva who seeks liberation. She rambles loosely and haunts the ancient palace of Raj Param Singh of Rajasthan. Sameer Niyogi played by Vinod Khanna unveils her truth in his journey of finding antique pieces in the palace. The tragic drama is a story of love, loss and liberation. You must watch this masterpiece of Hindi cinema to witness Gulzar's direction and the actor's fabulous performances on screen.
4/8
Teen Kanya
Satyajit Ray-directed Teen Kanya is an anthology based on Rabindranath Tagore's short stories. The 1961 released film has Soumitra Chatterjee and Aparna Sen in lead roles. The film is divided into three parts - The Postmaster, Monihara and Samapati. In the first two stories, two girls' lives are constrained by circumstances beyond their control, leaving them with few choices as they accept their fate. In Mihara, a schoolteacher recounts the tale of Manimalika, the jewelry-obsessed wife of a zamindar. Manimalika gives away all of her valuables when her spouse runs into financial difficulties before disappearing. The zamindar then opens the fresh box of jewels that were intended for his wife in a deserted home. Suddenly, there is maniacal laughter all around and Manimalika's ghost appears to take the jewels. The anthology is a must-watch to experience the art of cinema and fabulous storytelling by Satyajit Ray.
5/8
Do Bigha Zameen
Bimal Roy directed Do Bigha Zameen is a 1953 Hindi drama film which features Balraj Sahni and Nirupama Roy in lead roles. The film is based on Tagore's Bengali poem Dui Bigha Jomi and is a social commentary on the prevailing societal standards at the time. It is a cult classic and was a stepping stone for parallel cinema in the Hindi film industry.It was the first Indian film to win the international prize at Cannes Film Festival after Neecha Nagar which won Palme d'Or. The film revolves around a farmer Shambhu Mahato played by Balraj Sahni and his family that lives in a village. The family owns a 'do bigha zameen’ and the story is about their struggle to get hold of it from the shackles of big landlords. The film is a must-watch to witness an important piece of Hindi cinema and Tagore's poetry on screen. The movie is available on Zee5 and MXPlayer.,
6/8
Kabuliwala
The 1961 released film Kabuliwala is a Hindi drama adapted from the short story written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1892. The movie was directed by Hemen Gupta and features Bimal Roy, Sonu and Usha Kiran in lead roles.The film focuses on Kabuliwala, a man from Kabul, Afghanistan hence his name who visits Calcutta every year to sell dry fruits. He encounters a small girl named Mini with whom he develops an affectionate relationship. The story revolves around the relationship between Kabuliwala and Mini and is a commentary on delicate human relationships. The movie is a must-watch to understand human emotions and the subtleties of life.,
7/8
Ghaire Baire
Satyajit Ray directed film Charulata is a 1984 Bengali romantic drama based on Rabindranath Tagore's novel of the same name. The film features Soumitra Chatterjee, Jennifer Kendal, Victor Banere, and Swatilekha Chatterjee in lead roles. The film is a love triangle that develops around the emancipation of women and their surroundings. Bimala, though married to the rich Bengali noble Nikhilesh, falls in love with his friend Sandip who is a revolutionary. The film focuses on these three and the societal standards of the time. The movie ends with breaking off stereotypes and liberating Bimala from the shackles of bondage. This one is a must-watch to witness a story of revolution and liberation. The movie is available on Zee5.
8/8
Charulata
Charulata is a 1964 film directed and adapted by Satyajit Ray from Tagore's novel Nastanirh. The film features Soumitra Chatterjee, Madhabi Mukherjee, and Sailen Mukherjee in lead roles and features the loneliness of Charulata who encounters Amal, Soumitra Chaterjje in her pursuit of finding happiness in her home life. Her creative sensibilities are satisfied by Amal's poetry and intellect. She develops an affection for him while still being married to his cousin's brother. Amal leaves their life in guilt, which leaves Charulata devastated. The film is a nuanced portrayal of human affection and the bondages that it comes with. The film is considered to be Satyajit Ray's finest work and is a must-watch to witness Soumitra Chatterjee's brilliant performance and interesting storyline.