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Poster for Charulata

Charulata

1964 · 1h 57m · NOT RATED Drama, Romance
Directed by Satyajit Ray

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Overview

In 1870s India, Charulata (Madhabi Mukherjee) is an isolated, artistically inclined woman who sees little of her busy journalist husband, Bhupati (Sailen Mukherjee). Realizing that his wife is alienated and unhappy, he convinces his cousin, Amal (Soumitra Chatterjee), to spend time with Charulata and nourish her creative impulses. Amal is a fledgling poet himself, and he and Charulata bond over their shared love of art. But over time a sexual attraction develops, with heartbreaking results.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
96%
Tomatometer
Fresh

Film masterpieces, like our heart's desire, shouldn't elude us forever; Charulata is an experience every movie-lover should share.

Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune
Rotten

Ray recognizes the paradox that reformers are insulated from the people for whom they toil, but the movie is too stately and attenuated.

Michael Sragow, New Yorker
Fresh

You shouldn't miss this.

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Fresh

Possibly more relaxed and leisurely than most Satyajit Ray films, Charulata nevertheless has a graciousness and dignity which impart an added sincerity to the simple, yet thoroughly acceptable story.

Variety Staff, Variety
Fresh

Certainly one of Ray's best films, with a superb music score of his own composition.

Tom Milne, Time Out

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