Ray trailer: Netflix’s anthology promises power-packed performances from its stars

Inspired by four “timeless tales” from master auteur Satyajit Ray, the first trailer of the upcoming Netflix anthology Ray promises everything that the audience has come to love about the icon’s storytelling along with a modern twist. 

The trailer, which released today, gave the audience the first glimpse into the protagonists of the four short films based on Ray’s stories. Helmed by Abhishek Chaubey, Srijit Mukherji and Vasan Bala, these stories feature intricate and complex characters enacted by Manoj Bajpayee, Gajraj Rao, Ali Fazal, Shweta Basu Prasad, Anindita Bose, Kay Kay Menon, Bidita Bag, Harshvarrdhan Kapoor and Radhika Madan.

Manoj and Gajraj will be playing the lead in Hungama Hai Kyon Barpa, which is directed by Abhishek Chaubey. “I’m drawn to stories that twist with whimsy and humour. Hardly anyone crafts those better than Satyajit Ray and a chance to tell this story is a great opportunity for me,” said the filmmaker. 

While Forget Me Not has Ali Fazal playing a successful corporate professional with a photographic memory, Bahrupiya has Kay Kay Menon essaying a make-up artiste who decides to take control of his life using his gifts. Both the segments are directed by Srijit Mukherjee, who had earlier brought to life two stories of the auteur in Feluda Pherot. 

It is an honour and very fulfilling to reinterpret two more stories of Ray in a decidedly darker space, says Srijit, adding that he is excited to see how the viewers will react to the imperfect characters.

Director Vasan Bala helms the final featurette Spotlight, which revolves around an actor who is stereotyped because of his looks. The Spotlight is inspired by the prolific and illuminating works of Ray,” says Vasan. 

Ray is set to release on Netflix on June 25.