Devi (1960 film)

Devi (Bengali: দেবী, meaning "Goddess") is a 1960 Indian Bengali-language film directed by Satyajit Ray, based on a short story by Prabhat Kumar Mukhopadhyay. The film explores themes of superstition, religious fanaticism, and the oppression of women in 19th-century Bengal.

Synopsis

The film centers on Dayamoyee (Sharmila Tagore), a young woman from a wealthy family in rural Bengal. Her father-in-law, Kalikinkar Choudhuri (Chhabi Biswas), has a dream in which he believes Dayamoyee is an incarnation of the goddess Kali. He publicly declares her as such, and soon, villagers flock to her seeking blessings and cures. Dayamoyee, initially hesitant and uncomfortable with the situation, is gradually pressured to accept her perceived divinity. Her husband, Umaprasad (Soumitra Chatterjee), is away studying and strongly objects to his father's actions when he learns of them. The film portrays the devastating consequences of Kalikinkar's blind faith and its impact on Dayamoyee and her family. The narrative unfolds as a tragedy, illustrating the dangers of religious extremism and the erosion of reason.

Themes

• Superstition and Religious Fanaticism: The film critiques the irrationality of blind faith and the dangers of societal acceptance of unfounded beliefs.
• Oppression of Women: Dayamoyee is essentially trapped by the role thrust upon her, highlighting the lack of agency afforded to women in a patriarchal society. She is denied her own desires and autonomy.
• Tradition vs. Modernity: The conflict between Kalikinkar's traditional beliefs and Umaprasad's more modern, rational outlook showcases the changing societal landscape of 19th-century India.
• The Power of Belief: The film explores how the belief of others can shape an individual's identity and destiny, even against their own will.

Cast

• Soumitra Chatterjee as Umaprasad
• Sharmila Tagore as Dayamoyee
• Chhabi Biswas as Kalikinkar Choudhuri
• Karuna Banerjee as Harasundari
• Purnendu Mukherjee as Taraprasad

Reception and Legacy

Devi is considered one of Ray's finest films. It won the President's Gold Medal for All India Best Feature Film in 1960. It was also nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1962 Cannes Film Festival. The film continues to be studied and discussed for its powerful portrayal of social and religious issues and its masterful filmmaking. It is regarded as a significant contribution to Indian cinema and a poignant commentary on the complexities of faith and its consequences.