The Big City, the great Satyajit Ray’s first portrayal of contemporary life in his native Kolkata, follows the personal triumphs and frustrations of Arati (Madhabi Mukherjee), who decides, despite the initial protests of her bank-clerk husband, to take a job to help support their family.
Discovering Satyajit Ray’s work felt like relearning a part of my own history. His characters feel like family, as they struggle to navigate South Asian society in all its complexity. From his storied filmography, The Big City is the film I always return to—a film remarkable for its commentary on capitalism and patriarchy. In the middle of this, we meet Arati, essayed by screen legend Madhabi Mukherjee. I would say Arati’s strength and vulnerability were my single largest inspiration for the performances in In Flames. She is both innocent and world-weary, and her rich interiority can be felt with the raising of an eyebrow.
’Eating our daily bread has made us cowards,’ Arati’s husband, Subrata, whispers to her as the film reaches its tumultuous conclusion. Ray’s ability to unflinchingly scrutinize society, while still offering hope, speaks to why he is remembered as one of the greatest directors of all time. The Big City asks you to put up your feet after an exhausting day, and to share a cup of tea with old friends, knowing that it is friendship and community that make our lives just a bit easier.
Zarrar Khan, Leading Lights Curator
Supported by
Anil Chatterjee, Madhabi Mukherjee, Jaya Bhaduri
India
1963
In Bengali and English with English subtitles
Book Tickets
Indigenous & Community Access
Indigenous Access Tickets Community Access Tickets Ticket Donation Requests
Credits & Director
Producer
R.D. Bansal
Screenwriter
Satyajit Ray
Cinematography
Subrata Mitra
Editor
Dulal Dutta
Production Design
Bansi Chandragupta
Original Music
Satyajit Ray
Satyajit Ray
Satyajit Ray was a renowned Indian filmmaker, born in Kolkata in 1921. His acclaimed debut feature, Pather Panchali (1955), marked the beginning of the Apu Trilogy and earned him international recognition. Ray’s films, including Charulata (1964) and The Chess Players (1977), are noted for their humanistic approach and social commentary. His contributions to cinema were honoured with an Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1992, the same year he passed away.
Filmography: Pather Panchali (1955); Aparajito (1956); The World of Apu (1959); Charulata (1964); The Chess Players (1977); The Stranger (1991)
Missing VIFF? Check out what's playing at the VIFF Centre
The Silence of the Lambs
Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) gives FBI serial killer hunter Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) pointers from his maximum security cell. But is he trying to aid the investigation, or just messing with her head?
Thelma & Louise
In this iconic feminist road movie BFF Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon take off for a weekend getaway that turns violent when one of them is attacked. The stakes get higher as they flee the scene. Winner: Best Original Screenplay (Callie Khouri).
Another World
This hit anime from Hong Kong gives us an unpredictable, sometimes darkly karmic tale taking place on either side of the afterlife involving a headstrong princess with bad karma and the spirit guide who tries to help her get on a better path.
Hockney
An engaging, insightful and inspiring film portrait of the late great British and California artist. He’s one of the most accessible figurative painters of the last half century, but look closer, there’s much more to David Hockney than meets the eye.
Mistura
This foodie film from Peru tells the story of a newly single socialite reinventing herself — and the local cuisine — after her husband has left her for a younger woman. Along the way, she finds support from unexpected places...