The Big City

Plot

Calcutta in the early 1960's. Bhambal supports his wife, his parents, his teenage sister, and his young son. Money is tight, so his wife Arati goes to work. She's successful and enjoys it, but this nontraditional step throws the household into chaos: her in-laws initiate a "cold war" of silence and disapproval. When Bhambal loses his job, her working is essential; he loses self respect, and the gulf between them widens. At work, her friendship with Edith, a Anglo-Indian who smokes, swears, and uses lipstick, brings Arati close to impertinence with her genial boss. Her job is in peril, she acts impulsively, and who will understand her actions?

Why watch

"The Big City" is a poignant exploration of gender roles and economic struggle in 1960s Calcutta, where the clash between tradition and modernity unfolds against the backdrop of urban chaos. Satyajit Ray's masterful storytelling invites viewers to reflect on the fragility of self-respect and the complexities of familial relationships.

Talking points

• gender equality in the workplace
• the impact of economic hardship on family dynamics
• the role of tradition in modern society
• urban alienation and personal identity

Cultural context

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