What is Pather Panchali?
Pather Panchali is a 1955 drama directed by Satyajit Ray that follows the lives of an impoverished family in a 1920s Bengali village. The story centers on Harihar Ray, a priest who leaves home to find work, leaving his wife Sarbojaya to care for their children, Durga and Apu, and an elderly aunt named Indir.
- Type
- Film
- Year
- 1955
- Status
- Released
- Runtime
- 125 minutes
- Release date
- Aug 26, 1955
- Studios
- Government of West Bengal
- Genres
- Drama, History
- Updated
Trailer
Overview
Pather Panchali is a 1955 drama directed by Satyajit Ray that follows the lives of an impoverished family in a 1920s Bengali village. The story centers on Harihar Ray, a priest who leaves home to find work, leaving his wife Sarbojaya to care for their children, Durga and Apu, and an elderly aunt named Indir.
The film is widely acclaimed as a classic of Indian cinema and is regarded as one of the most influential films in history. It is noted for putting India and Satyajit Ray on the world cinema map and was the first Indian movie to attract significant attention in the West.
Should you watch it?
“A struggling family in rural Bengal finds small joys amidst the hardships of poverty.”
- Regarded as one of the greatest and most influential films in cinema history
- Profoundly moving evocation of family life in a 1920s Bengali village
- The first installment of the ground-breaking Apu Trilogy
- The film is described as quiet, which may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced action
Watch it if you appreciate acclaimed classics of world cinema that explore human resilience and poverty.
This is a quiet, profoundly moving drama with a focus on the daily indignities and small pleasures of rural life.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about Pather Panchali — answers are spoiler-safe.
Your verdict
Is Pather Panchali worth watching?
Cast
Frequently asked questions
Is Pather Panchali worth watching?
Yes, it is widely acclaimed as a classic and one of the greatest films in cinema history.
How long is the movie?
The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes.
Is this part of a series?
Yes, it is the first and finest installment of the Apu Trilogy.
Where can I stream it?
The provided sources do not list specific current streaming platforms.