ray of light
Narcissistic nobles and lonely wives star in globally renowned director's influential films at Houston cinema showcase
Long before the Bollywood phenomenon, Satyajit Ray crafted a host of films, so many that he was eventually named one of cinema’s greatest and most influential directors of all time.
Now, an annual film festival showcases Ray and some of his greatest works. The 14th annual Indian Film Festival of Houston returns Saturday, October 15 at Asia Society of Texas (1370 Southmore Blvd.), spotlighting some Ray favorites.
Tickets start at $20; a full screening package including the opening reception and music performance is $50 — find both online.
Aside from guest speakers, attendees can expect tasty bites from noted Indian restaurant Verandah.
After a 4 pm opening reception, the festival kicks off with Charulata (The Lonely Wife), starring acclaimed actors Soumitra Chatterjee, Madhavi Mukherjee. Ray’s 1964 black-and-white film follows the wealthy Bhupati, who neglects his wife Charulata to pursue politics in 19th-century India. When Bhupati’s brother, Amal, comes for a visit, Charulata is taken by him. Charulata, indulging her artistic inner self through Amal’s coaching, admits her feelings for him in a short story, setting the drama in motion.
After Charulata comes Shatranj Ke Khilari (The Chess Players), starring Sanjeev Kumar in a cast that includes Sir Richard Attenborough. Here, Wajid Ali Shah, the nawab (royal leader) of the regal state of Awadh (whose capital is Lucknow) is dethroned by the British. Meanwhile, two rich, self-centered noblemen of this kingdom, Mirza Sajjad Ali and Mir Roshan Ali, are obsessed with the game of shatranj (chess). The duo shirk their respective marital responsibilities, and watch their kingdom taken by the East India Company as they isolate themselves in chess, a brutal reminder of ruling classes’ narcissism allowing dethronement.
The festival is a must-attend for fans of Indian film, or anyone passionate about groundbreaking cinema. A highly acclaimed and awarded visionary who received an honorary Oscar and Legion of Honor by the President of France, Ray serves as a reminder that current directors stand on the shoulders of giants.
For more information on the Indian Film Festival, visit the festival website.