Watch Seemabaddha

Seemabaddha is a 1971 Bengali drama film directed by Satyajit Ray. Starring Sharmila Tagore, Barun Chanda, and Paromita Chowdhury in the lead roles, the film explores the alienation and disillusionment of a young corporate executive named Shyamalendu Ray who works in a multinational company in Calcutta. The story is set in the backdrop of the rising consumerism and cutthroat competition of the 1970s, where the values of family, tradition, and personal relationships are overshadowed by ambitions of wealth and power. Shyamalendu, a middle-class man with a modest background, has become successful in his career but also detached from his personal life. He is married to Dolan, a gentle and caring woman, but has little time or interest in her. He lives in a luxurious apartment complex where he spends his evenings with his colleagues and bosses, attending parties and indulging in petty gossip.

Things start to change for Shyamalendu when he is tasked with a new project that involves the acquisition of land for his company. As he goes about his job, he realizes the callousness and insensitivity of his company towards the local people, who are being evicted from their homes without any compensation. Shyamalendu also faces the disapproval of his acquaintances and relatives, who see his job as unethical and immoral.

Meanwhile, Shyamalendu's personal life is also in turmoil. He has a strained relationship with his sister-in-law, who is critical of his lifestyle choices. He also suspects that his wife is having an affair with a family friend, which makes him jealous and paranoid.

As the film progresses, Shyamalendu's world crumbles around him, and he finds himself torn between his conscience and his ambition. The climax of the film is a tense and dramatic scene, where Shyamalendu confronts his bosses and colleagues, and makes a decision that will change his life forever.

Seemabaddha is a powerful and thought-provoking film that captures the mood of an era where modernity and tradition clashed, and exposes the human cost of corporate greed and ambition. Satyajit Ray's direction is subtle and nuanced, and he elicits outstanding performances from the cast, particularly Sharmila Tagore, who delivers a gripping portrayal of a woman caught in a web of deceit and disillusionment.

The film's cinematography and soundtrack also deserve special mention, as they enhance the mood and atmosphere of the film, and contribute to the overall impact of the story. Seemabaddha is a remarkable film that continues to resonate with audiences today, and stands as a testament to Satyajit Ray's mastery of storytelling and his commitment to social issues.