Pather Panchali (1955) – A Film by Satyajit Ray

Introduction: Pather Panchali is a classic Bengali film directed by Satyajit Ray, based on
the novel of the same name by Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay. It was the first film in Ray's
Apu Trilogy, which also includes Aparajito (1956) and Apur Sansar (1959). The film is a
deeply emotional portrayal of rural life in Bengal in the 1920s. It depicts the struggles, joys,
and sorrows of a poor family, focusing particularly on the lives of two children: Apu and his
sister Durga.

Set in a remote village, the film presents a naturalistic and tender view of childhood, family,
and society. Ray’s delicate use of visuals, sounds, and realistic dialogue creates an
atmosphere that resonates with universal human experiences. The film also showcases the
themes of poverty, loss, and hope, making it a significant part of world cinema.

Pather Panchali Summary

Young Apu is growing into manhood in a Bengal village in India, as his parents struggle to
provide him with food on a daily basis. Apu’s father Harihar Roy dreams of being a writer,
but is stuck with the paltry earnings of a sometimes-priest. In addition to his father and
mother, Apu shares his home with a sister, Durga, and his father’s aging cousin, Indir. Indir's
presence has created a high level of tension and more than a little resentment from Apu’s
mother, Sarbajaya, because the relative is not only old, but infirm and must be cared for as if
she were a third child.

When Durga steals mangoes to give to Indir, Sarbajaya is enraged, and at one point kicks
Indir out for encouraging her daughter's stealing. Indir returns the next day after staying with
another relative. Tensions rise even more when a neighbor, a vindictive aunt, who is more
economically stable, accuses Durga of stealing a necklace from her daughter.

Durga and Apu get into some playful fights, and Sarbajaya kicks Indir out of her house yet
again, distressed by how much attention and care the old woman needs.

When Durga and Apu wander into a large field near their home, they notice a train passing
by, as well as a large, humming electrical grid, both representing the changes of modernity.
On their way back to the ancestral home, they find Indir, who was turned away by Sarbajaya,
dead in the middle of the forest.

Desperate for work, Hari leaves his family to go in search of an income, leaving Sarbajaya,
Durga, and Apu to fend for themselves. During her father's time away, Durga comes down
with pneumonia after playing outside in a monsoon for too long. Soon she succumbs to the
illness and dies. When Apu’s father returns home, he is upbeat and excitedly informs them of
his success by handing out presents, including a beautiful sari he bought for Durga. Only then
does he get the news of his daughter’s unexpected death, at which point the grief overwhelms
him and he collapses.

Apu makes the decision that he must take the entire family to move near the river where he
will have more professional prospects. As they are gathering their belongings and cleaning
the house, Apu comes across the necklace that Durga denied stealing, which has been
secreted away inside a bowl all this time.

Apu steals away to a nearby pond and tosses the necklace into it, watching as the weeds
conceal its presence before joining his parents and the ox-cart which takes them away to their
new life.

The Family and Setting: The story revolves around a poor family in a village. The family
consists of:

1. Harihar: The father of the family, a priest, and an aspiring writer.

The family lives in a small, dilapidated house made of bamboo and mud, surrounded by
beautiful yet harsh rural landscapes. Despite their poverty, the family tries to live with
dignity, but their life is filled with struggles, and much of the story is focused on their
everyday survival.

Apu and Durga’s Childhood: The film opens with Apu and Durga playing in the fields near
their house. Durga is an energetic and mischievous girl who loves her younger brother. The
siblings' bond is central to the story. They have an innocent curiosity about the world around
them. Durga often steals fruits from the neighbors, and Apu follows her, although he is a bit
more innocent and naive. Durga's stealing represents the family's desperate need for food,
which they can barely afford.

In one of the early scenes, Durga is caught stealing guavas from a neighbor’s tree. Her
mother scolds her severely, but Durga’s spirited nature keeps her from feeling guilty for long.
Durga’s character represents the survival instinct of the poor, while Apu’s character reflects
the innocence and joy of childhood.

Apu also starts attending school in the nearby village, and this is one of the few moments of
joy and hope for the family. Apu’s fascination with learning and the outside world provides a
sense of escape for him. His curiosity is shown beautifully in scenes where he looks at books
and the outside world with wide-eyed wonder.

Harihar’s Struggles:

Harihar, the father, is a priest who dreams of a better life for his family. However, he is
constantly burdened by financial problems. Despite his best efforts to write and be a scholar,
he cannot provide a stable income for his family. His hope for a better future often clashes
with the harsh realities of his life.

In one scene, Harihar speaks to Sarbajaya: "Sarbajaya, I will find work, I will bring you
money. Don’t worry." But despite his words, his promise remains unfulfilled, and the family
continues to live in poverty.

Harihar is a gentle man with dreams of becoming a successful writer, but his inability to
provide for his family creates tension between him and his wife. Sarbajaya, in contrast, is
practical and focused on the immediate survival of her children. She often expresses
frustration with Harihar’s dreams, believing that his idealism is not helping their situation.

The Tragic Death of Durga: One of the most heartbreaking moments in Pather Panchali is
the death of Durga. She has been suffering from an illness, and the family is unable to afford
a doctor. Durga's condition worsens, and she dies in the same house where she grew up,
surrounded by her family. Her death is a tragic reminder of the harshness of life, particularly
for the poor.

Durga’s death leaves a void in the family, and Apu is devastated. The bond between the two
siblings is portrayed in such a way that Durga’s loss is felt deeply by both the family and the
audience. The film’s portrayal of grief is powerful and raw, and it is one of the most
emotional parts of the movie.
A memorable dialogue that reflects the pain of loss comes from Sarbajaya: "Durga, why did
you have to leave us like this?"

The grief-stricken family struggles with their sense of helplessness. Sarbajaya and Harihar,
despite their different ways of coping, both feel the loss intensely. Apu, too, is forever
changed by the loss of his sister, a loss he cannot fully understand but deeply feels.

Harihar’s Departure and Apu’s Journey: Following Durga’s death, Harihar decides to
leave the village in search of work, hoping to make a better life for his family. He finally gets
an opportunity to work in another town, but the decision is difficult. He leaves behind his
wife and son, promising to return with enough money to improve their lives.

In one of the scenes before leaving, Harihar speaks to Apu: "Apu, when you grow up, you will
understand. This is life, sometimes it's painful, sometimes it’s joyful." These words reflect the
bittersweet nature of life and the choices that people have to make in difficult circumstances.

The film ends with Harihar walking away from the village, leaving behind the memories of
his family and his dreams of a better future. Apu, now orphaned in many ways, looks towards
the horizon, a symbol of the uncertain future ahead.

Themes and Symbolism: Pather Panchali is not just a story about poverty; it’s a story about
resilience, love, and the passage of time. The film captures the small, fleeting moments of joy
in the midst of hardship. The simple pleasures of childhood, like playing with a kite or
discovering a new world, are highlighted throughout the movie.

The rural setting itself plays a crucial role in the film, symbolizing both the beauty and the
harshness of life. The natural world, with its lush green fields, rivers, and animals, represents
the cycle of life and death that the family is part of. In contrast, the house where the family
lives is a symbol of poverty and struggle, its crumbling walls reflecting the fragility of their
existence.

Another important aspect of the film is its portrayal of family dynamics. While there is a
constant undercurrent of tension between Harihar and Sarbajaya due to their differing
perspectives on life, there is also a deep love and respect between them. They both care for
their children, and their love is tested by the harsh realities of their circumstances.

The film also explores the theme of education and intellectual growth. Apu’s education is one
of the few hopes for the family’s future. His curiosity and thirst for knowledge offer a sense
of optimism, even in the face of overwhelming difficulty.

Conclusion: Pather Panchali is a masterpiece of cinema that captures the beauty and tragedy
of life in rural India. Through its compelling characters, stunning visuals, and sensitive
direction, the film tells a universal story about family, loss, and the resilience of the human
spirit.

Satyajit Ray’s direction brings out the best in his actors, especially the children, who deliver
unforgettable performances. The film’s simple yet profound dialogue, such as Harihar’s
words to Apu, stays with the viewer long after the movie ends. The story of Pather Panchali
is one of love, loss, and survival, making it a timeless work that resonates with audiences
around the world.
The emotional depth and realism of Pather Panchali make it a film that speaks to everyone,
regardless of their background. It’s a film about growing up, facing hardships, and finding
hope amidst the struggles of life. In the end, Apu’s journey is a reflection of all of us as we
navigate through the ups and downs of life, always searching for meaning, understanding,
and a sense of belonging.