Abstract:

Based the work by Samkara. A university student, after failing his examinations, drops out of school, looks for a job, and decides to embark on a career in business. He becomes an independent salesperson, paid on commission, much to the great despair of his father, a descendant of a noble caste who thinks engaging in commerce is the ultimate disgrace to the family reputation. As part of his business dealings, the now ex-student discovers the expedient value of corrupt practices. After lengthy hesitation, he agrees to provide a prostitute (none other than the sister of his best friend in school) in order to obtain a contract. He says nothing about all this to his father, who may to some extent only be pretending to be ignorant of what is being concealed from him. With Pradip Mukherjee, Satya Bannerfi, Dipankar Dey, Lily Chakravarti and Aparna Sen. || "Under Ray's piercing yet compassionate glance, his characters darken with loss of innocence. The quiet urgency and emotional intensity of the film transcend its context; this is not only a film about India" --New York Film Festival note