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Qalandar

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I promise somewhat irregular posts on (in no particular order) Indian politics, cinema, and anything else that catches my fancy... Why "Qalandar"? So-called "liminal" religious traditions are a particular interest of mine, and "qalandar" is the sort of untranslatable, ambiguous, yet enormously evocative word that for me touches upon and articulates the experience of the sub-continent's "little" traditions in a particularly memorable way...not to mention the fact that in popular lingo the word has more than a merely religious/spiritual connotation, and can mean a bunch of other things, including a smart alec, wannabe, what-have-you...

A Note on Two Satyajit Ray Charmers
Qalandar | 3 | September 25, 2009 at 12:54 pm | 268 views | Reviews| Share


dvd sonar kella ray A Note on Two Satyajit Ray Charmers
[Image courtesy the Goodearths blog.]

One of my great pleasures is exploring a master’s minor work — often it is only in the latter, especially when one has attained canonical status, that some vestiges of the whimsical remain. Strictly speaking, this is only partly true of Satyajit Ray’s work (he actually seemed to get more whimsical with age and directorial maturity), but nevertheless, an acquaintance with the Ray of less serious subjects is highly rewarding. One isn’t overawed, but most decidedly charmed.

Read the complete piece HERE.

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There Are 3 Responses So Far. »

  1. pardesi 26 September 2009
    06:24:36 pm

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    My next Ray film was to be Sonar Kella, just got the DVD. Do I have to see Felunath to appreciate Sonar Kella? Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the films.

  2. Qalandar 26 September 2009
    06:26:47 pm

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    No, each stands alone (in fact, Sonar Kella is the earlier and IMO better film)…

  3. pardesi 26 September 2009
    06:29:42 pm

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    Thanks! Sonar Kella it is then.

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