Revisiting Kolkata Through the Lens of International Films
Kolkata, with its bustling streets, iconic yellow taxis, colonial architecture, and vibrant culture, has long been a muse for filmmakers worldwide. The city’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, chaos and charm, makes it an irresistible backdrop for storytelling. International filmmakers, in particular, have been drawn to its evocative settings and rich cultural tapestry, using it to capture stories of identity, loss, resilience, and discovery.
Here, we explore how Kolkata’s allure has been immortalized in global cinema and why it continues to inspire storytellers across the world.
1. Satyajit Ray: The Global Introduction to Kolkata
No discussion about Kolkata and cinema can begin without acknowledging the legendary Satyajit Ray. Although not an international filmmaker, Ray’s works brought Kolkata to the global stage. His masterpieces like The Apu Trilogy (Pather Panchali, Aparajito, and Apur Sansar) showcased the city’s soul in a way that was deeply personal yet universally relatable.
Ray’s Kolkata was a living, breathing entity—its people, streets, and sounds intertwined with the emotions of his characters. His nuanced storytelling paved the way for international filmmakers to see Kolkata as a city of stories waiting to be told.
2. The Namesake (2006): A Journey of Identity
Directed by Mira Nair, The Namesake is a poignant exploration of identity and belonging, much of which unfolds in Kolkata. Based on Jhumpa Lahiri’s novel, the film beautifully captures the contrast between the immigrant experience in the U.S. and the deeply rooted traditions of Kolkata.
From the bustling Howrah Bridge to the serene ghats of the Hooghly River, the film weaves Kolkata’s essence into the narrative, making the city a character in its own right. Nair’s lens captures the warmth of Bengali families, the chaos of Durga Puja celebrations, and the intimacy of Kolkata’s narrow alleys, offering viewers a glimpse into the heart of the city.
3. Lion (2016): A Tale of Longing and Reunion
Garth Davis’s Lion tells the heart-wrenching true story of Saroo Brierley, who, as a child, gets lost in Kolkata and is adopted by an Australian family. Decades later, he embarks on a journey to find his biological family.
Kolkata serves as a poignant backdrop in the film’s opening scenes, depicting both its overwhelming chaos and the compassion of its people. The streets, train stations, and slums are portrayed with raw authenticity, reminding viewers of the city’s dual nature—its harsh realities and its enduring humanity.
4. City of Joy (1992): The Resilience of the Human Spirit
Based on Dominique Lapierre’s novel, Roland Joffé’s City of Joy stars Patrick Swayze as an American doctor who finds himself in Kolkata after a personal crisis. The film delves into the lives of the city’s underprivileged, showcasing their struggles and indomitable spirit.
Shot extensively in Kolkata, the film portrays the city’s vibrancy and grit, emphasizing its ability to inspire hope even amidst adversity. The title itself is a testament to Kolkata’s enduring reputation as a city that finds joy in the smallest moments.
5. The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015): A Mathematical Genius in Colonial Kolkata
This biographical drama about the legendary mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, starring Dev Patel, features glimpses of early 20th-century Kolkata. The film recreates the colonial-era city, with its British-style architecture and intellectual hubs, highlighting the historical significance of Kolkata as a center of knowledge and culture.
6. Kolkata as a Character in Other Films
Many other international productions have used Kolkata as a pivotal setting. From Louis Malle’s documentary Calcutta (1969), which captures the city’s raw energy, to films like Before the Rains and Brick Lane, Kolkata’s cinematic appeal lies in its ability to evoke emotions ranging from nostalgia to wonder.
Even popular Bollywood productions with global appeal, such as Parineeta and Kahaani, have contributed to Kolkata’s iconic image on the silver screen.
Why Kolkata?
Kolkata’s charm lies in its contradictions—its decaying grandeur and youthful vibrancy, its bustling streets and serene riverbanks, its colonial past and progressive present. Filmmakers are drawn to its layered identity, finding in it the perfect metaphor for stories of transformation, resilience, and self-discovery.
Conclusion: A City of Infinite Stories
As cinema continues to evolve, Kolkata remains a timeless muse. Its lanes, bridges, and people have a way of seeping into the narrative, becoming more than just a backdrop. For international filmmakers, the city offers a treasure trove of inspiration—a place where every corner tells a story and every sound carries an emotion.
Whether you watch The Namesake or Lion, you’re not just seeing Kolkata; you’re experiencing its soul. And that is the magic of revisiting this city through the lens of cinema.
