Watch Jana Aranya

Jana Aranya, released in 1975, is a Bengali movie based on a novel by the well-known Bengali writer Manik Bandopadhyay. The film was directed by Satyajit Ray, one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. Jana Aranya is about a young man named Somnath (Pradip Mukherjee), who is struggling to find a job in Kolkata. He has completed his graduation in sociology, but is unable to secure a job in his field of study. He is forced to settle for a low-paying job as a clerk in a firm that exports shrimps. However, even this job doesn't last long as the firm goes bankrupt.

Somnath's father (S. Bagchi) is a retired schoolteacher who is struggling to make ends meet. His elder brother (Rafique Ahmed) is a successful businessman who has made it big in the real estate market. However, he refuses to help Somnath because he believes that his younger brother should find his own way in life.

With no job in hand and mounting pressure to make ends meet, Somnath decides to enter the world of real estate, just like his elder brother. He begins to work as an agent for a shady real estate dealer named Sukumar (Satya Bannerjee). The job requires him to use his charm and wit to sell land to gullible buyers. Somnath quickly becomes successful at his job, but at a great cost.

As the story progresses, we see Somnath getting more and more involved in the shady world of real estate. He begins to compromise his values to meet the demands of the business. He has to deal with corrupt bureaucrats, greedy politicians, and violent land mafias. He becomes increasingly disillusioned with the system and starts to question his own actions.

One of the central themes of the movie is the struggle for survival in a corrupt and oppressive world. Somnath is just one of the many young men who are caught in the vicious cycle of poverty and unemployment. He is forced to compromise his values and principles to survive. The film presents a stark portrayal of the harsh realities of life in a big city like Kolkata.

Jana Aranya is a powerful critique of the society and the system that breeds corruption and exploitation. Ray's direction is masterful in capturing the nuances of the characters and the settings. The film is also a reflection of the times in which it was made, when India was going through a phase of social and political upheaval.

The performances in the movie are top-notch. Pradip Mukherjee is outstanding as Somnath, capturing the character's inner conflicts with great sensitivity. Rafique Ahmed, as his elder brother, is also very convincing in his portrayal of a successful businessman who is unwilling to help his younger brother. S. Bagchi is very effective as the retired schoolteacher who is struggling to make ends meet.

Overall, Jana Aranya is an outstanding movie that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. It is a powerful commentary on the social and economic realities of life in India. Ray's direction and the performances of the actors make it a must-watch for anyone interested in Indian cinema.