The Emergence of Narrative Realism: Ray’s Narrative Theory of “Pather Panchali”

Abstract

"Pather Panchali" is a paradigm shifting film in the mid-fifties that changed the attitude of film critics towards Indian Cinema. Satyajit Ray, the master creator has set a milestone with his maiden film that delineates the simple life of then rural folks of Bengal, their pangs and pleasures, their struggle for existence. He brought about a passive revolution in the language of films. The images that he created in this classic film are immortal and emphasize human values and human existence. The evolution that took place in the realm of Indian Cinema through "Pather Panchali" lies in its narrative which is realistic as well as post-modern in its approach to cinephiles.