Thank you, sir
I wish you had stayed on to take your degree
I couldn't afford to
But don't give up your writing
I remember your stories in the college magazine about village life
They were very good. You know, one can earn a living by writing
Satyajit Ray Productions presents
APUR SANSAR (The World of Apu)
Original story by Bibhutibhusan Bandyopadhyay
Apu: Soumitra Chatterji. Aparna: Sharmila Tagore
Kajal: Aloke Chakravarty. Pulu: Swapan Mukerji
Photography: Subrata Mitra
Art direction: Bansi Chandragupta
Sound recording: Durgadas Mitra
Film editing: Dulal Dutta
Production manager: Anil Chowdhury
Music: Ravi Shankar
Production, script and direction: Satyajit Ray
Good morning. Sit down
What use will that be?
It will rest your legs
I haven't come up to rest my legs
You know very well why I'm here
I'm going to ask a straight question,
and I'd like a straight answer
- What is the date? - The tenth
- How many months rent do you owe me? - Three
That makes twenty-one rupees
Will you pay me now, or shall I return this evening?
That makes three questions, not one
It's not fair
Many things are not fair
Is it fair that I should house you for nothing?
That you should use electricity all day without paying for it?
You have had education.
You have pictures of great men on the wall
Is it fair that you don't pay the rent?
It's a sign of greatness, you know
I, too, could turn a pretty phrase...
...but it would not be fit
for your young ears
Anyway, either I get my money this evening...
...or I'll look for a new lodger
This letter is for you, not me
We're both Rays
We are pleased to accept your short story "A Man of the Soil"...
...for publication in the next issue of Sahityik
Not bad news, I hope
Why do you get so few letters?
Does nobody write to you?
I'd like to open a love letter by mistake
Perhaps it's as well
I've experienced matrimonial complications
HARIMATI PRIMARY SCHOOL
You advertised for a teacher
Qualifications?
- Intermediate Science - No good, we want Matriculation
But I got that before Intermediate
What did the advertisement say?
It did specify Matriculation
Then why harp on Intermediate? What's the point?
Would you work for ten rupees a month?
Well?
I understand you want someone in your factory.
I have Matriculation
Any experience of labelling?
Labelling? No, but I can learn
Go through that door and down the passage.
Take a look first
Pulu!
You're a fine friend.
Why didn't you tell me you'd left the student hostel?
I've been searching north Calcutta for you since four o'clock
I finally got your address from the people you give private lessons to
What's so funny?
You've put on weight
I had. I lost it these last three hours
Would you like tea at the cafe around the corner?
All right.
But I've two tickets for us to see Sadhabar Ekadashi
Is this a hideout? Are you forging banknotes or something?
I wish I could
And you cook for yourself?
I'll cook you a meal one day: Rice and potatoes
What about the railway job?
I thought you'd got it
There was a strike on, and they wanted people as strike-breakers
So you've been unemployed?
I give some private lessons
- How much do you make? - Fifteen rupees a month
Didn't you learn to type?
Yes, I thought it might be useful
Good. I'll get you a job as soon as we return
Where are we going?
You'll come with me to my cousin Aparna's wedding on Monday
- Where? - Just for a few days
- But where? - Khulna.
Khulna! It's a hundred miles away
You'll love it there
An old-world village, a lovely river with boats on it
Fields of grass and paddy.
Bamboo groves, mango orchards
Doesn't it tempt you?
Trees full of birds: Magpies, thrushes, nightingales
And in the evening, fireflies and oil lamps aglow
No electricity
Doesn't it sound tempting?
You'll come, won't you?
Take me back to thy lap, O Mother Earth
Take back thy son and wrap him in thine ample robe.
Let me be one with the soil, and spread myself
Far and wide, like the joys of spring,
let me burst the heart's narrow cage
reak down the stonewalls of self and the cheerless prison of the mind
To rush forth in a rapture of delight
And flow to the far ends of the earth,
surging, billowing, rolling on
A policeman
Who's there?
I Am Mainaak, son of the Himalayas,
hiding my wings in the sea
What's come over you?
You sound as if you've had too much to drink
I don't think I'll take that job
Don't be absurd
Why should I become a clerk? There is no reason why I should
I'm a free man, without ties, no one to worry about
Why should I become a clerk?
But you can't keep pawning books to pay the rent
- Things will change - Not without a job
Listen, those with real talent...
Needn't eat?
Apurba Kumar Ray
Make fun of me, but just wait and see
Something up your sleeve? Some new poems?
You're too prosaic
You'll go abroad, become an engineer,
get a fat job and settle down
So I'm prosaic? That's gratitude!
Who took you in hand in Calcutta? Country bumpkin scared of the traffic
Who read your first short story, and what did he say about it?
Don't get so worked up
Do you know why I feel so elated?
I've had my first good meal for months, thanks to you
Well, are you writing anything?
A wonderful novel
Why didn't you tell me?
- Do you know a good publisher? - No problem
A boy
A village boy. Poor, but sensitive
Father, a priest. He dies
The boy doesn't want to be a priest. He wants to study, he's ambitious
He studies
In the process, I see him struggle
He sheds superstition and prejudice
He takes nothing on trust
He tries to be rational
He has imagination, he's intrigued by little things
He has greatness in him, perhaps. He has the ability to create
But he doesn't
Right, but that's not a tragedy
He remains poor, in want
But he doesn't turn from life, he doesn't want to escape
He is fulfilled, he wants to live
This is autobiography
Partly, but there are imaginary characters, plot, love...
Love? What do you know of love?
You've never been within ten paces of a girl
It's not that easy, you have no experience
- Is imagination worth nothing? - Not where love is concerned
- You're quite wrong - I'm absolutely right
How much further wilt thou lead me, O Fair One?
Tell me what shore thy golden boat will touch
Whatever I ask thee, O thou from distant lands
Thou smilest in thine own sweet way
And I can never know what is in thy mind
Silently, thou liftest a finger pointing to the trackless, wild sea
As, far to the west, the sun goes down in the sky
What lies there? What do we go to seek?
Tell me, I pray thee, O stranger fair
Where, at the edge of evening, glows the day...
Give me your hand
Wonderful. Really wonderful
Look who is here!
It's Pulu, and not alone
I hope the journey was not too unpleasant for city people
My youngest son, Murari.
He's studying at Daulatpur College
Take his luggage
My aunt
It's a pity you didn't think of him as a possible son-in-law
Where have I seen him before?
Lmpossible. He's never been here
But I know his face so well
Yes, I saw a picture of Lord Krishna looking just like him
Lord Krishna...
...complete with his flute
Binu, my son, come out now
What's wrong? Isn't he well?
It's nothing. The sun was so hot
The long journey and the fasting must have upset him
Bring water, and a fan
This is a fine wedding
That boy is insane
Who says so? He is perfectly sane.
The journey and the heat...
If you don't stop the wedding, I will
But the auspicious hour is passing
Leave this room!
It's you who is mad
When the hour has passed, my daughter will never marry
Isn't there another auspicious hour, at ten?
Don't ask me. This means ruin for me
Have I missed the ceremony?
There's no wedding
The bridegroom is mad
Apu, everything depends on you now
Are you joking?
What is all this?
If the wedding does not take place at the auspicious times...
...the bride is cursed
But what can I do?
We have to find another husband for her and you are the obvious choice
You want me to be a substitute bridegroom?
Is this a play or a novel? What do you take me for?
Are you still living in the Dark Ages?
Calm down and listen to me
No, I won't listen to a pack of lunatics
Everything depends on you
It's no use, let's go
Come here a moment
Can you really get me that job?
You'll have to lend me a shirt, and I must have a shave
Your daughter didn't worship Shiva in vain.
A curse became a blessing
The moment I saw him,
I knew he was nearer to me than my own kin
Pulu has brought many of his friends here...
...but I've never felt so drawn to anyone
There are a few things that I must tell you
I've had no opportunity before
How much do you know about me?
Has Pulu told you anything?
Yes
What did he say?
You're an orphan
Yes.
I lost my father when I was ten
Mother died seven years later
I had a sister, too
What else did he tell you?
You write well
He told you that, did he?
Can you read?
Yes. Bengali
I'm writing my novel in Bengali
I know
What else did he say?
Nothing else
That's not very much
You know little of the man you married
I have no means, no job...
...and almost no future
What kind of home shall I take you to?
You've been brought up in these surroundings
A spacious house, servants, fine rooms
This marriage was forced on me.
I was against it, but...
Something changed my mind, I felt I would be doing a noble thing
Everything became confused
Why don't you say something?
I can't decide until I know your mind
Aparna, will you be able to endure poverty?
Can you live with a poor husband?
Yes
Can you really?
Why not?
Then I'll take you with me.
If your father objects, I'll ignore him
- Will you object? - I don't know
- I wonder what they'll say - Who?
My neighbours.
I went to a wedding, but I shall return with the bride
I'll come back for the luggage
This is my room
Sit down. I won't be long
You must be very sad
Really not?
They want to see us downstairs
Make way. Let's see the bride
What a lovely bride!
Why gawp? Am I new?
Only after meals. You promised
Do you lament your decision?
What? I don't know such difficult words
Will "regret" do?
Yes
- Do you regret it? - Regret what?
- Do I have to explain that too? - Yes
You missed out on a rich husband
- You're laughing! - No, I'm crying
You must feel sorry
Of course. I could have had an easy life
- I'm going. - Where?
To look for a maid servant
Don't be silly. Come back, please
Who will pay for the servant?
I'll get more private lessons
Then send me back to my parents
One lesson is bad enough after a hard day's work
What should I do, then?
I'll tell you: Give up the lesson you have
And then what?
Then my poor husband will come home early
Then I shall lament no more
God of Fire! Destroy his meditation!
Are you cross with me?
Yes. Why do we always take a cab?
Buses are crowded. We're alone here
But it costs much more
Does it matter?
Soon you're going to your parents, my expenses will be halved
Only for two months
Isn't that a long time?
What about the extra expenses when we come back?
Ah, yes...
I wouldn't have let you go, but your mother was so insistent
And I felt you'd rather be with her
at such a time
A relief for you, too. No one to bother you for two months
One job will be done
I'll have time to work on my novel. I haven't touched it since we married
Is that my fault?
No, it's your virtue. You know how much my novel means to me, don't you?
- Well, you mean much more - Really?
I shall dedicate it to you
You'll what?
I know what "wife" means
You don't. I do
I do, too
- What? - The matches
What is there in your eyes?
Kajal [Kohl]
We'll expect you in the holidays
I'll do my best. Send a telegram when you arrive; letters take so long
- Promise you'll come - Haven't I given my word?
You must write twice a week
- You must write, too - Not unless you do
Write to my office address, or Mr. Ray will open your letters
I had so many things to tell you
Yes, I asked Pintu's mother to make you some cakes
There's a bill to pay at the grocer's
I've left some jewellery behind
Please take care of yourself
You'll see her in a week, so cheer up
I wish I knew your secret
How to be married and happy on forty-five rupees a month
How do you know I'm happy?
I can guess
I don't know what your wife is like, but mine...
I like them to be a little pert...
...a little saucy, a little naughty
It adds spice to a marriage,
don't you think?
My wife is just the opposite
Never quarrels, never complains, never answers back...
...always meek and obedient
Utterly bland, tasteless
Plus this
You've promised to come on the 8th
If you don't,never spea to you again, never, ever
You should have sent me eight letters last month...
...and I only got seven
I should never trust you
And I feel jealous of that girl next door
She sees you morning and evening, and I don't
Do keep the window shut
What else is there to tell?
The more I write, the more you will laugh at my mistakes
ut I don't care. You are the writer, not me
Please take good care of yourself
I am well, but my heart is sick. IT will heal when you come.
If you don't, I'll never speak to you again, never, ever
What is it?
Aparna...
In childbirth...
She said: "I'm leaving him in your care, Mrs. Ganguly
"He's so absent-minded, he forgets to eat sometimes"
Such sweet words and such gentle ways
Well, it's a good thing the baby was saved.
Fate works in strange ways
But a young fellow like you shouldn't give up
"While Krishna has his knot of hair and flute
there'll be women to serve him"
Why, you could marry ten times over if you wanted
Dear Pulu. You must have heard the news by now
I hear you're going abroad. I Wish you success.
I'm going away, too
I don't know where I'm going,
But I do know why: I want to be free
I'm taking my novel with me.
I'll send it to you if I finish it
You may publish it if you like it enough.
Yours, Apu
What have you thrown in my food?
I'll teach you a lesson, my lad!
He's bitten me
Wait and see what your grandfather will do
You'll tell grandfather?
Just wait. You need a good hiding
He'll bash you if you do
Who will bash me?
My father. He lives in Calcutta
Father! That's a good one!
We haven't seen his pigtail these last five years
Do fathers have pigtails?
He's not shown up once, even to see his own son
He's sent three money orders.
Perhaps he calls that doing his duty
Where is Apu?
I was dead against the marriage
It was you and your aunt who took my daughter...
Do you know where Apu is? I'd just like to know
Somewhere in Central India, working in some coal mine, the vagabond
And the boy takes after him
Always running around and getting up to mischief
When your aunt was alive she could manage him,
but it's too much for me
Do you know Apu's address?
Whatever is on his letter
Do you think he'll come back?
Not that heartless brute
When did you get back?
I went to my uncle, looking for you
- What are you doing here? - Working
- Since when? - About a year
So far from home?
I didn't come here for a job
I arrived here in my wanderings
I had to fill my stomach
- Has it been filled now? - More or less
How is the novel getting along?
I threw it away
Why throw it away?
What's the use?
Come along
Are you going to stay here?
- I'm thinking of going away - Where?
Anywhere. Perhaps abroad. I'm saving up
Going alone?
- Who else is there? - Kajal
Your son
So that's what they called him
- Go back home - Why?
The boy needs someone to look after him
There's such a thing as a father's duty,
or did you throw duty away, too?
Who says I don't do my duty? I've sent money
- Is that all you can do? - I can't do any more
Don't you love your son?
No
How can I love him?
I've never seen him, to me he is unreal, untrue
For me he doesn't exist
You must have lost your senses
Anyway, I've done my duty. The rest is up to you
Come here for a moment
My train leaves at seven
Come here
Please do something for the boy, put him in a home or something
- Do that yourself - No, I can't
- It's not possible for me - I can't understand why not
There is something which I can't forget
Because Kajal exists...
Aparna does not
I've sent money and I'll send more if necessary
More than that, I cannot do
I have no love for him. He is like a stranger
If you think he is not being looked after...
...make some arrangement for him
Shall I give you money now?
I've no time. I have to start a new job on Monday
Who is it?
Who do you want?
I'm Apurba
Have you come to fetch him?
I've arranged to leave him with friends in my home village
I'm going away
He's upstairs
He's been feverish, but he's better now
I'm your father
What are you doing?
You might have killed the boy
Won't you make friends with me?
I know lots of good stories
Ghost stories, stories about demons...
...kings, queens, princes and winged horses
Want to hear them?
I'll leave this jewellery with you...
...in case you want to send him to boarding school
It seems to be the only way to be relieved of his burden
Can't you take him with you by force?
As his father you have the right to do that
No, I couldn't do that
I knew it. I knew all along that you could do nothing
What do you want to say, Kajal?
Where are you going?
Will you come with me?
Are you going to Calcutta?
If I did, would you come with me?
Would you take me to my father?
Certainly
Will he be cross with me?
Why should he be?
He'll never leave me?
Never
Who are you?
I'm your friend
Will you come with me?
Grandpa will be angry
Grandpa won't know, I won't tell him