17 minutes into the film, Utpal Dutta's character sings a song, a bhajan really and just as he started singing it was unmistakably Ray's voice.This scene gave me chills as it made me aware that this is probably one of last times his voice was heard.
I had read the story long ago in one of Ray's short story collections. I was also made aware that there was a film based on this book. But the story itself may be good but not fascinating enough for me to seek out the film immediately. The movie is infinitely better and would make anyone seek out the book. The title of the book was Atithi meaning the Guest .On the other hand the movie is called Aguntuk meaning The Stranger.This changes the dynamics of the movie and also gives it a kind of intimate depth.
Utpal Dutt's performance is the highlight of the movie.His dark looks, deep knowledge and measured performance light up his indoor film it glace and elegance.
The movie is an indoor one but Ray has immense control preventing it to being play-ish. The final sequence in Santiniketan is beautifully shot.The final scene is almost poetic as the Stranger leaves home we know that his creator has also left never to return.
I had read the story long ago in one of Ray's short story collections. I was also made aware that there was a film based on this book. But the story itself may be good but not fascinating enough for me to seek out the film immediately. The movie is infinitely better and would make anyone seek out the book. The title of the book was Atithi meaning the Guest .On the other hand the movie is called Aguntuk meaning The Stranger.This changes the dynamics of the movie and also gives it a kind of intimate depth.
Utpal Dutt's performance is the highlight of the movie.His dark looks, deep knowledge and measured performance light up his indoor film it glace and elegance.
The movie is an indoor one but Ray has immense control preventing it to being play-ish. The final sequence in Santiniketan is beautifully shot.The final scene is almost poetic as the Stranger leaves home we know that his creator has also left never to return.