Ray Story :-
Adapting the works of Satyajit Ray is no small feat, as it inevitably stirs up strong reactions among audiences. The creators of this anthology were well aware of this fact as they embarked on the task of reimagining Ray’s iconic short stories, which have garnered a cult following over the years. The four shorts, each set in different worlds, evoke varied moods but share a common thread in their ability to blur the lines between the bizarre and the chuckle-inducing eccentricity.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 25 June 2021 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
| Episodes | 4 |
| Cast | Manoj Bajpayee, Gajraj Rao, Ali Fazal, Shweta Basu Prasad, Anindita Bose, Shruthy Menon, Kay Menon, Bidita Bag, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Harshvardhan Kapoor, Radhika Madan, Chandan Roy Sanyal |
| Director | Srijit Mukherji, Abhishek Chaubey, Vasan Bala |
| Writer | Sayantan Mukherjee, Niren Bhatt, Siraj Ahmed |
| Cinematography | Arkodeb Mukherjee, Swapnil Sonawane, Eshit Narain |
| Producer | Lalit Prem Sharma, Pushkar Karmalkar, Shivam Vichare, Vishakha Joshi, Ajit Andhare, Navey Mittar |
| Production | Viacom18 Studios |
| Certificate | 16+ |
Srijit Mukherji, known for his affinity for thrillers and adaptations of popular Bengali fictional characters, chooses a story that delves into the hubris of a man blessed with extraordinary memory and matched by arrogance. Departing from the humble Bengali milieu of the original story, Mukherji places his characters in the lavish penthouses of Lower Parel, with Ali Fazal portraying the alpha male protagonist whose chance encounter with a figure from his past leads to a downward spiral.
While the story may have held novelty when it first appeared in print three decades ago, its premise feels somewhat tired on screen, as Mukherji fails to inject sufficient tension into what could have been a gripping thriller. Furthermore, Mukherji attempts to rectify Ray’s lack of significant female characters by introducing a change in the narrative, though the effectiveness of this departure remains to be seen.
Mukherji fares better with “Bahurupiya,” set in the decrepit alleys of Kolkata, where a character reminiscent of Jekyll-Hyde meets the Joker. Kay Kay Menon delivers a captivating performance in the titular role, and Mukherji’s penchant for prosthetics adds depth to the psychological thriller. However, the short’s impact is diminished by its excessive length, preventing it from achieving its full potential.
The third story, “Hungama Hai Kyon Barpa,” transports a quirky tale to the colorful streets of Bhopal and Old Delhi, showcasing Abhishek Chaubey’s adept handling of subtle humor. With a delightful chemistry between lead actors Manoj Bajpai and Gajraj Rao, the short captures the essence of Ray’s works, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Vasan Bala’s interpretation of Ray’s story “Spotlight” is perhaps the most experimental of the four, introducing significant changes in characters and storytelling. While Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor and Radhika Madan deliver commendable performances, the short falls short of being a sharp satire on celebrity ego and insecurities, instead serving as a self-indulgent tribute to Ray.
For those unfamiliar with Ray’s literary genius, this anthology may not provide an accurate representation of the originals, potentially disappointing fans of his writing. While the shorts offer glimpses into Ray’s thematic breadth, they often prioritize style over substance, detracting from the quiet brilliance of his short stories. Despite this, Ray’s profound humanism continues to resonate throughout, reminding audiences of his enduring legacy in literature and cinema.
