Bengali cinemas are enriched with compelling stories, powerful performances, and impressive visuals that often evoke rare emotions among the audience.
Here, let’s check out some of the old Bengali cinematic gems, available on OTTs that may leave you awe-struck.
Mahanagar (1963) – YouTube: It tells the story of a housewife from a middle-class conservative family, whose life changes as she starts a job as a saleswoman.
Shatranj Ke Khilari (1977) – Prime Video, YouTube: Set in 1856, it follows two noblemen who ignore everything and play chess, not noticing the advance of British rule into their provinces.
Devi (1960) – YouTube: It focuses on a young woman who is deemed a goddess when her father-in-law dreamed of her as the avatar of Kali.
Nayak (1966) – YouTube: It follows a Bengali film star who re-evaluates his success through the dreams and experiences of his fellow passengers while travelling to Delhi to receive an award.
Charulata (1964) – YouTube: Based on Rabindranath Tagore’s story, it tells the story of a lonely married woman who falls in love with her cousin-in-law who shares her love for literature.
Aranyer Din Ratri (1970) – YouTube: It follows four carefree bachelors who set out on a holiday trip into the wilderness, undergoing a journey of self-discovery.
Apur Sansar (1959) – YouTube: The Satyajit Ray directorial is the final instalment of the Apu Trilogy, depicting Apu’s orphaned adult life as he aspires to become a writer.
Aparajito (1956) - Prime Video, YouTube: A coming-of-age tragic drama flick following a young boy who leaves his home and mother to study in Calcutta after the death of his father.