Parash Pathar (1958) – Satyajit Ray’s Magical Satire on Greed
About the Film
Parash Pathar (1958) is an astonishing film. Not because science fiction was conjured up by Satyajit Ray for Indian cinema, but because it was laced with satire. Well after the movie was over, I was thinking, “what is Mr. Ray trying to tell us?” Here is my take.
The Setting: Post-Independence India
The film is set in an India which has just gained independence and is struggling to stand on its feet. This is reflected through the life of Paresh Chandra Dutt, played by Chhabi Biswas, (see Jalsaghar) the main protagonist — a rugged life, measly living quarters, and a hand-to-mouth existence. The world Satyajit Ray has painted through his films so far — poverty, realism, and human struggle — is intact here. (See the Apu trilogy - Pather Panchali, Aparajito and Apur Sansar)
The Twist: A Philosopher’s Stone
But Ray has other plans. He breaks out of this mould with the help of the supernatural — the philosopher’s stone, which magically turns any metal into gold. With this, Paresh’s life transforms dramatically. Literal rags to riches.
Greed and Consequence
Ray ventures into new territory: a lavish house, cars, manicured gardens, and gold — lots of it. But this transformation comes at a cost. That’s the key message of this film: anything gained easily always leads to disaster. And disaster does strike — not only for Paresh, but the local economy too.
Final Thoughts
Satyajit Ray stays rooted in realism and delivers an evocative satire that has stood the test of time. Parash Pathar remains one of his most delightful and thought-provoking films — a timeless parable about greed, illusion, and the human condition.
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