"There is always room for improvisation "- Satyajit Ray(showed before the last episode starting)
But that doesn't mean you can change the soul of a story. You people are naming the series as RAY, creating completely different stories without even thinking what was the morality of the original ones, then you shouldn't 'promote' it using Satyajit Ray's name. Only the part 3 of the series is good because it has preserved the point of view of the original one. But rest of the three are completely new stories with just a little bit of resemblance with the original stories. I'm not saying that the stories are bad. They are somewhat good. But the anthology should not be called as "Ray".
232 Reviews
Just Keep in Mind, Every Original Story Has Been Largely Altered & Modified!
SoumikBanerjee199629 June 2021
For 'Cineasts', Satyajit Ray is a widely publicized figure. A Legend, A Maestro, and above all, a Nation's pride. Celebrated worldwide by and large because of The 'Apu Trilogy'; but little do they know he was also an Author, Composer, Script Writer, Calligrapher, and so many more. The number of masteries this man had was unparalleled in his time. Following Ray's 100th birthday, the long-awaited announcement came through in the shape of 'Ray'; an anthology produced by Netflix; accomplished using short stories written by Satyajit Ray himself. Four in particular.
Now let me review them one at a time...
Forget Me Not (Original:- Bipin Chowdhury's Smritibhrom) Cast - Ali Faizal, Anindita Bose, Shweta Basu Prasad Director - Srijit Mukherji Rating - 4.5/5
Under Srijit Mukherji's opportune administration; we get a gripping narrative that adumbrates a prodigy's gradual descent towards lunacy. A bright intellect's descending declension resulting in inevitable misery & desolation! By dint of an Esthetic set-up and likewise composition; the feel of uneasiness slowly intensifies! Elevated through terrific acts coming from the gifted ensemble. Notably, from Ali Faizal; who deserves some plaudits.
Bahrupiya (Original:- Bahurupi) Cast - Kay Kay Menon, Bidita Bag, Rajesh Sharma Director - Srijit Mukherji Rating - 3.5/5
An otherwise lousy script only uplifted through Kay Kay Menon's competent performance, this one has more to do with Morals that are incorporated deep within such contemporaneous narration! An eloquent portrayal of Insatiability, Infatuation, and Unswerving Desire for Vindictiveness. As well as the eventual decadence that awaits down the road for our main protagonist! In spite of the fact that there's a dearth of pensive depth in the Writing; Mr. Mukherji's able stewardship sort of makes up for it!
Hungama Hain Kyon Barpa (Original:- Barin Bhowmick-er Byaram) Cast - Manoj Bajpai, Gajraj Rao Director - Abhishek Chaubey Rating - 4/5
Simplistic storytelling with an undertone of Dry Humour, that's how I would like to recapitulate my all-inclusive impression. I couldn't help but laud Abhishek Chaubey's prowess as the director here; especially for all those seamless transitions & articulative framings. He made his presence known, that's for sure! Yet, the focal point undoubtedly was on the enticing duo Manoj Bajpai and Gajraj Rao. Mildly speaking, the palpable dynamic between these two guys was off the charts!
Spotlight (Original:- Spotlight) Cast - Harshvardhan Kapoor, Radhika Madan, Chandan Roy Sanyal Director - Vasan Bala Rating - 3/5
With countless citations based off of Satyajit Ray's several other works; Vasan Bala happens to be the most devout fanboy in here! Be it in the visuals, locations or simply referring to Ray's popular directorials such as 'Mahapurush', 'Kapurush', 'Jai Baba Felunath' etc. Vasan made up his mind to pay homage to Ray, by utlising his very own rendition; which abounds in surrealism, satire, and straight out inanity! 'Kafkaesque Nightmare' as cinephiles would tell. Not everyone's cup of tea though! Harshvardhan Kapoor & Radhika Madan are two of the most underrated actors and I'm just glad they seized this opportunity to truly demonstrate the inherent abilities they possess.
In conclusion, we got little bit of everything. Thriller, Drama, Humour, Satire! However, I do feel this 'Collectanea' couldn't reach the designated point of contentment for the orthodox fans. As these are all adaptations, not word for word transcription; every single story has been largely altered and modified. So just keep in mind that these are not the purest forms of the source materials! And I am perfectly aware of the dissatisfaction among Ray's loyal followers due to the same reason. The way I see it, all the creations of Satyajit Ray are so multifaceted in nature that they can be interpreted in all kinds of ways! And that's quite the core 'Essence' what made people fall in love with his artistry in the first place.
Now let me review them one at a time...
Forget Me Not (Original:- Bipin Chowdhury's Smritibhrom) Cast - Ali Faizal, Anindita Bose, Shweta Basu Prasad Director - Srijit Mukherji Rating - 4.5/5
Under Srijit Mukherji's opportune administration; we get a gripping narrative that adumbrates a prodigy's gradual descent towards lunacy. A bright intellect's descending declension resulting in inevitable misery & desolation! By dint of an Esthetic set-up and likewise composition; the feel of uneasiness slowly intensifies! Elevated through terrific acts coming from the gifted ensemble. Notably, from Ali Faizal; who deserves some plaudits.
Bahrupiya (Original:- Bahurupi) Cast - Kay Kay Menon, Bidita Bag, Rajesh Sharma Director - Srijit Mukherji Rating - 3.5/5
An otherwise lousy script only uplifted through Kay Kay Menon's competent performance, this one has more to do with Morals that are incorporated deep within such contemporaneous narration! An eloquent portrayal of Insatiability, Infatuation, and Unswerving Desire for Vindictiveness. As well as the eventual decadence that awaits down the road for our main protagonist! In spite of the fact that there's a dearth of pensive depth in the Writing; Mr. Mukherji's able stewardship sort of makes up for it!
Hungama Hain Kyon Barpa (Original:- Barin Bhowmick-er Byaram) Cast - Manoj Bajpai, Gajraj Rao Director - Abhishek Chaubey Rating - 4/5
Simplistic storytelling with an undertone of Dry Humour, that's how I would like to recapitulate my all-inclusive impression. I couldn't help but laud Abhishek Chaubey's prowess as the director here; especially for all those seamless transitions & articulative framings. He made his presence known, that's for sure! Yet, the focal point undoubtedly was on the enticing duo Manoj Bajpai and Gajraj Rao. Mildly speaking, the palpable dynamic between these two guys was off the charts!
Spotlight (Original:- Spotlight) Cast - Harshvardhan Kapoor, Radhika Madan, Chandan Roy Sanyal Director - Vasan Bala Rating - 3/5
With countless citations based off of Satyajit Ray's several other works; Vasan Bala happens to be the most devout fanboy in here! Be it in the visuals, locations or simply referring to Ray's popular directorials such as 'Mahapurush', 'Kapurush', 'Jai Baba Felunath' etc. Vasan made up his mind to pay homage to Ray, by utlising his very own rendition; which abounds in surrealism, satire, and straight out inanity! 'Kafkaesque Nightmare' as cinephiles would tell. Not everyone's cup of tea though! Harshvardhan Kapoor & Radhika Madan are two of the most underrated actors and I'm just glad they seized this opportunity to truly demonstrate the inherent abilities they possess.
In conclusion, we got little bit of everything. Thriller, Drama, Humour, Satire! However, I do feel this 'Collectanea' couldn't reach the designated point of contentment for the orthodox fans. As these are all adaptations, not word for word transcription; every single story has been largely altered and modified. So just keep in mind that these are not the purest forms of the source materials! And I am perfectly aware of the dissatisfaction among Ray's loyal followers due to the same reason. The way I see it, all the creations of Satyajit Ray are so multifaceted in nature that they can be interpreted in all kinds of ways! And that's quite the core 'Essence' what made people fall in love with his artistry in the first place.
3 episodes amazing. 1 not so much
negiparagamit28 June 2021
Over all amazing series.
But I'll just get right to the point.
First 3 episodes were amazing. Simple amazing in all aspects. Everything was just brilliant.
Except nthe last episode. That last episode I really has to binge watch.
It was boring nd bit stretched unnecessary.
Acting was awful. And direction was also pathetic.
Story was also boring.
That one look. GOD. What a bakwaas look was it.
Yuck 🤢🤢
I wish that episode was just not there in series.
They took amazing actors in all first 3 episodes, nd then took medicore actors in last episode.
But I'll just get right to the point.
First 3 episodes were amazing. Simple amazing in all aspects. Everything was just brilliant.
Except nthe last episode. That last episode I really has to binge watch.
It was boring nd bit stretched unnecessary.
Acting was awful. And direction was also pathetic.
Story was also boring.
That one look. GOD. What a bakwaas look was it.
Yuck 🤢🤢
I wish that episode was just not there in series.
They took amazing actors in all first 3 episodes, nd then took medicore actors in last episode.
Fearless Retelling of Satyajit Ray's Short Stories !!!
cs_rahul_prasad25 June 2021
Based on short stories written by Ray, the anthology is a collection of four films created by Sayantan Mukherjee. Two of them are helmed by Srijit Mukherji, the other two directed by Abhishek Chaubey and Vasan Bala respectively.
The first in the anthology is Forget me Not, based on Bipin Choudhurir Smritibhram. It is directed by Srijit Mukherji. It's a revenge drama that centre's around Ipsit (Ali Fazal), a successful entrepreneur with a brilliant memory, a trait he is proud of. But soon, things spiral out of control when Ipsit encounters a woman he has no memory of meeting.
The second story by Mukherji is Bahrupiya, inspired by the short story Bahuroopi. The screenplays for both these films have been written by Siraj Ahmed. A disturbing psychological thriller, where Indrashish (Kay Kay Menon) decides to confront those who he feels have wronged him. With makeup and prosthetics he manages to create a different identity for himself, but his hubris proves to be his ultimate undoing. In both the films, the protagonists are pushed to a frighting brink, unable to get a hold on themselves.
Abhishek Chaubey, who has films like Ishqiya , Udta Punjab and Sonchiriya to his credit, adapts Ray's Barin Bhowmik's Ailment. The humour is intrinsic to the screenplay, and the fable-like quality in the storytelling comes closest to that of Ray's. Musafir Ali, a ghazal singer, and Aslam Baig, a sports journalist, are travelling together in a train. The conversation soon turns to an alluring pocket-watch Khushbakht. Time is a great leveller, they say, and the said watch apparently has a role to play in it. Exuberant performances by Manoj Bajpayee, Gajraj Rao and the ensemble, along with very aptly used music, keep the proceedings buoyant .
The final film starts with a quote by Satyajit Ray -"There is always some room for improvisation". We see a lot of that in true Vasan Bala style. Bala, who previously made the quirky Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, has directed Spotlight, based on the story by the same name. Wacky and over-the-top, the film nudges us to look at the flip side of living under constant public gaze and spotlight. Does one become a victim of one's own image ? Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor plays a big film star, Vikram Arora, who is creatively unsatisfied. His anxieties and insecurities get the better of him when he meets Didi (Radhika Madan), a revered cult leader, whose clout seems to threaten and overshadow his fame. Vik's manager, played by a brilliant Chandak Roy Sanyal, tries to salvage the situation for him. Peppered with many Ray references, hat tip to the maestro's films and characters, Spotlight is a trippy retelling of Ray's story .
Some stories in an anthology work better than the rest. Ray, in that sense is a mixed bag, but the fearless re-telling of the maestro 's short stories is definitely worth a watch.
The first in the anthology is Forget me Not, based on Bipin Choudhurir Smritibhram. It is directed by Srijit Mukherji. It's a revenge drama that centre's around Ipsit (Ali Fazal), a successful entrepreneur with a brilliant memory, a trait he is proud of. But soon, things spiral out of control when Ipsit encounters a woman he has no memory of meeting.
The second story by Mukherji is Bahrupiya, inspired by the short story Bahuroopi. The screenplays for both these films have been written by Siraj Ahmed. A disturbing psychological thriller, where Indrashish (Kay Kay Menon) decides to confront those who he feels have wronged him. With makeup and prosthetics he manages to create a different identity for himself, but his hubris proves to be his ultimate undoing. In both the films, the protagonists are pushed to a frighting brink, unable to get a hold on themselves.
Abhishek Chaubey, who has films like Ishqiya , Udta Punjab and Sonchiriya to his credit, adapts Ray's Barin Bhowmik's Ailment. The humour is intrinsic to the screenplay, and the fable-like quality in the storytelling comes closest to that of Ray's. Musafir Ali, a ghazal singer, and Aslam Baig, a sports journalist, are travelling together in a train. The conversation soon turns to an alluring pocket-watch Khushbakht. Time is a great leveller, they say, and the said watch apparently has a role to play in it. Exuberant performances by Manoj Bajpayee, Gajraj Rao and the ensemble, along with very aptly used music, keep the proceedings buoyant .
The final film starts with a quote by Satyajit Ray -"There is always some room for improvisation". We see a lot of that in true Vasan Bala style. Bala, who previously made the quirky Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, has directed Spotlight, based on the story by the same name. Wacky and over-the-top, the film nudges us to look at the flip side of living under constant public gaze and spotlight. Does one become a victim of one's own image ? Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor plays a big film star, Vikram Arora, who is creatively unsatisfied. His anxieties and insecurities get the better of him when he meets Didi (Radhika Madan), a revered cult leader, whose clout seems to threaten and overshadow his fame. Vik's manager, played by a brilliant Chandak Roy Sanyal, tries to salvage the situation for him. Peppered with many Ray references, hat tip to the maestro's films and characters, Spotlight is a trippy retelling of Ray's story .
Some stories in an anthology work better than the rest. Ray, in that sense is a mixed bag, but the fearless re-telling of the maestro 's short stories is definitely worth a watch.
A good one yet dissapointment as a adaptation.
kushaldora-7914928 June 2021
~RAY~
Directed by- Srijith Mukherjee, Abhishek Chaubey, Vasan Bala.
Starring- Manoj Bajpai, Ali Faizal, Kay Kay Menon, Harshvardhan Kapoor, Gajraj Rao, Radhika Madan
Ray is a anthology of four picked short stories from Legendary auteur Satyajit Ray written short stories. So coming up to the briefs.
1. Forget Me not
Firstly, the pick for being the first story for Ray anthology is really a disappointing choice from Srijit sir. The story around this episode felt like it has been stretched too much and as auteur Satyajit Ray usually left us with self-explanatory endings. The first episode felt as it served everything on the plate so that the receiver doesn't need to put much brain to place things and feel the ideation. Still I would consider the flashback sequence shooting style very good and smooth comparing to the whole stretched plot. Big hug to production design team.
2. Bahrupiya
Still recovering from the wound of first, Srijit sir made one more scar by confusing me what kind of audience he is targetting with this adaptation. Because if its connectivity with modern adaptation is too old school to adapt for 21st century audience. Felt really bad for Kay Kay Menon as he has been wasted successfully in this plot. A big applause to prosthetics department for the hardwork, but really this plot wasn't needed as I was really expecting much more by srijit sir after watching Begum Jaan. " Agar 30 saal phele condom istemaal karliya hota toh acha hota" I really felt cringe on it.
3. Hungama kyon hai Barpa
Well, the best short story I felt like worth watching in the whole anthology. Manoj Bajpai and Gajraj Rao really tried to keep us attached to the story with their acting skill. Abhishek Chaubey was the most close I felt with the adaptation or story narration way " Satyajit Ray" usually tried to show the audience. The best part was conversion of reel play to theatrical play which I liked the best in this adaptation and the dark comedy dose at times where the plot picked its pace. Yet the best from Ray series from the brilliant screenplay writer & director of films such as Udta Punjab, Ishqiya .
4. Spotlight
Vasan Bala after making a young piece as Mard ko Dard nahin hota, and then as director in Ray. Vasan Bala didn't disappoint me with the meta script but didn't yet impress much. The satire it carried away between a myth believe and blind follow over a hero but not a good actor really showed us a mirror but felt too stretched. Vasan Bala played a cameo himself that was the fun part and use of symbols and motifs and the claustrophobic nature created around the protagonist is still appreciable for me. The last song sequence " Nain Mattaka" its composition, lyrics is young and fresh for young blood. Soon can be seen trending.
Overall, Ray can be really a one time watch or may be rewatched again and again by certain category of crowd but the directors used the subtext in the arc of charcaters very well and Yes!! Its subtle and watchable, little stretchy but young.
#films #filmreviewer #filmreview #raynetflix #satyajitrayfilms #satyajitraymovies.
Directed by- Srijith Mukherjee, Abhishek Chaubey, Vasan Bala.
Starring- Manoj Bajpai, Ali Faizal, Kay Kay Menon, Harshvardhan Kapoor, Gajraj Rao, Radhika Madan
Ray is a anthology of four picked short stories from Legendary auteur Satyajit Ray written short stories. So coming up to the briefs.
1. Forget Me not
Firstly, the pick for being the first story for Ray anthology is really a disappointing choice from Srijit sir. The story around this episode felt like it has been stretched too much and as auteur Satyajit Ray usually left us with self-explanatory endings. The first episode felt as it served everything on the plate so that the receiver doesn't need to put much brain to place things and feel the ideation. Still I would consider the flashback sequence shooting style very good and smooth comparing to the whole stretched plot. Big hug to production design team.
2. Bahrupiya
Still recovering from the wound of first, Srijit sir made one more scar by confusing me what kind of audience he is targetting with this adaptation. Because if its connectivity with modern adaptation is too old school to adapt for 21st century audience. Felt really bad for Kay Kay Menon as he has been wasted successfully in this plot. A big applause to prosthetics department for the hardwork, but really this plot wasn't needed as I was really expecting much more by srijit sir after watching Begum Jaan. " Agar 30 saal phele condom istemaal karliya hota toh acha hota" I really felt cringe on it.
3. Hungama kyon hai Barpa
Well, the best short story I felt like worth watching in the whole anthology. Manoj Bajpai and Gajraj Rao really tried to keep us attached to the story with their acting skill. Abhishek Chaubey was the most close I felt with the adaptation or story narration way " Satyajit Ray" usually tried to show the audience. The best part was conversion of reel play to theatrical play which I liked the best in this adaptation and the dark comedy dose at times where the plot picked its pace. Yet the best from Ray series from the brilliant screenplay writer & director of films such as Udta Punjab, Ishqiya .
4. Spotlight
Vasan Bala after making a young piece as Mard ko Dard nahin hota, and then as director in Ray. Vasan Bala didn't disappoint me with the meta script but didn't yet impress much. The satire it carried away between a myth believe and blind follow over a hero but not a good actor really showed us a mirror but felt too stretched. Vasan Bala played a cameo himself that was the fun part and use of symbols and motifs and the claustrophobic nature created around the protagonist is still appreciable for me. The last song sequence " Nain Mattaka" its composition, lyrics is young and fresh for young blood. Soon can be seen trending.
Overall, Ray can be really a one time watch or may be rewatched again and again by certain category of crowd but the directors used the subtext in the arc of charcaters very well and Yes!! Its subtle and watchable, little stretchy but young.
#films #filmreviewer #filmreview #raynetflix #satyajitrayfilms #satyajitraymovies.
GREAT COLLECTION
sumitsuman-2728125 June 2021
some are awsome , some are dumb but overall once watchable.
mrrobot168428 June 2021
Ep 1 : 6 star
ep 2 : 8 star
ep 3 : 9 star
ep 4 : 4 star
ep 2 and 3 are just amazing , but ep 1 and 4 does not impress at all .
Acting of every actor in every ep. Is superb , it's just that the way story is told and its ending were quite dull in ep 1 and 4 .
Performance of Kay Kay Menon is just top notch .
In my opinion you should just watch episode 1 , 2 and 3 . Leave 4th one.
ep 2 and 3 are just amazing , but ep 1 and 4 does not impress at all .
Acting of every actor in every ep. Is superb , it's just that the way story is told and its ending were quite dull in ep 1 and 4 .
Performance of Kay Kay Menon is just top notch .
In my opinion you should just watch episode 1 , 2 and 3 . Leave 4th one.
Not even near to Satyajit Ray's movies.
jeetdutta-1658625 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I had a lot of expectations from this anthology series and after watching it I'll only say watch it for Srijit Mukherjee's Bahurupi. Kay Kay Menon and Srijit Mukherjee delivered a good story. Talking about Srijit Mukherjee's 1st story Remember me not it was just a decent one. Hungama hai kyu barpa is just average and Spotlight is a the weakest from the series.
These stories didn't even feels like it might have been written by Ray sir. And what's the reason to include vulgarity and abusive language in the series? Satyajit Ray's stories doesn't includes such things and I can say that without any that. Also in the last episode Vick's mom mentions few names of Ray's movies, was it necessary? It made the series more cringe.
It wasn't a good tribute to the Legend of India and World cinema. It's better to watch Satyajit Ray's filmography coz those are masterpiece in every way and gonna teach you many lessons.
I'm going for 6.8/10.
These stories didn't even feels like it might have been written by Ray sir. And what's the reason to include vulgarity and abusive language in the series? Satyajit Ray's stories doesn't includes such things and I can say that without any that. Also in the last episode Vick's mom mentions few names of Ray's movies, was it necessary? It made the series more cringe.
It wasn't a good tribute to the Legend of India and World cinema. It's better to watch Satyajit Ray's filmography coz those are masterpiece in every way and gonna teach you many lessons.
I'm going for 6.8/10.
Not Satayjit Ray stories
aghosh-5925729 June 2021
People should know that these are NOT original Satyajit Ray stories. Far from that. These are totally distorted. The name "Ray" should not have been used by Netflix. It's utterly confusing. This web series has nothing to do with Satyajit Ray.
What a great Show!!!!! Simply MIND BLOWING
anujbumb25 June 2021
What a amazing short stories series Ray is...
Truly mind blowing!! Amazing acting , direction, sound track and above all storyline. Ofcourse written by one of the best writer of India! Satyajit Ray!!!
Must watch ! Must watch!
Must watch ! Must watch!
One time watch.
TreeFiddy5328 June 2021
This anthology is only inspired by Ray's stories and might not be exact adaptations, I heard.
Spotlight, Bahurupiya, Hungama Hai Kyon Barpa, Forget Me Not, are each about an hour. All four of them have very different story lines/genres. All of them start a certain way and end a certain way. They make you think what you just watched, but if that's in a good way or bad, is gonna be up to you.
I wonder if/where was the line drawn between using Ray's work and being inspired by it to write a new story but use his name to market them. I don't know anything about the original works, but I personally didn't like all four, in fact, I'd have been totally fine had there been only 3 of these 4. I personally found one of them boring, and one of them was predictable, but good. Remaining two, I liked. None of them were mind-blowing, but 3/4 is a good score. The ones I liked, I have unanswered questions. But I guess that was the idea behind picking these stories, to have questions.
Spotlight, Bahurupiya, Hungama Hai Kyon Barpa, Forget Me Not, are each about an hour. All four of them have very different story lines/genres. All of them start a certain way and end a certain way. They make you think what you just watched, but if that's in a good way or bad, is gonna be up to you.
I wonder if/where was the line drawn between using Ray's work and being inspired by it to write a new story but use his name to market them. I don't know anything about the original works, but I personally didn't like all four, in fact, I'd have been totally fine had there been only 3 of these 4. I personally found one of them boring, and one of them was predictable, but good. Remaining two, I liked. None of them were mind-blowing, but 3/4 is a good score. The ones I liked, I have unanswered questions. But I guess that was the idea behind picking these stories, to have questions.
Had great expectations, but turned out a total letdown.
MuviFan7326 June 2021
Netflix movies generally come out with a decent amount of noise. This was no different.
A totally reverse nature of TV series, I mean four concluding movies I was really looking forward to it.
Sadly after watching all, feels like none of them were even average. A total letdown!
A totally reverse nature of TV series, I mean four concluding movies I was really looking forward to it.
Sadly after watching all, feels like none of them were even average. A total letdown!
Brilliant
paliwalricha-6815025 June 2021
OutRAYgeous
shounak932528 June 2021
Forget Me Not : Basic plot not changed at all. Rather the reason of vengeance is much more compact here. Well done, Srijit Mukherji
Rating : 4/5
Bahrupiya : Much darker approach than the real story. Addition of sex was not required at all. Srijit actually presented the stories in a dark tragedy form n eliminated the subtle humour in both d stories Rating : 3/5
Hungama Hai Kyon Barpa : The outstanding one. Absolute page to film adaptation. No deviation at all. The humour is intact. Abhishek Chaubey hits the bulls eye. The manoj bajpai-gajraj rao face off will become a classic Rating : 5/5
Spotlight : What an utter disappointment! Unlike other anthologies, they kept the worst for the end. Vasan Bala believes in adding supernatural to common man n dis time he ruins a Ray story. Dis one is a drop of lemon in a custard. Better skip it.
Rating : 2/5.
Bahrupiya : Much darker approach than the real story. Addition of sex was not required at all. Srijit actually presented the stories in a dark tragedy form n eliminated the subtle humour in both d stories Rating : 3/5
Hungama Hai Kyon Barpa : The outstanding one. Absolute page to film adaptation. No deviation at all. The humour is intact. Abhishek Chaubey hits the bulls eye. The manoj bajpai-gajraj rao face off will become a classic Rating : 5/5
Spotlight : What an utter disappointment! Unlike other anthologies, they kept the worst for the end. Vasan Bala believes in adding supernatural to common man n dis time he ruins a Ray story. Dis one is a drop of lemon in a custard. Better skip it.
Rating : 2/5.
Indian Black Mirror, A must watch!
Akash_Menon25 June 2021
Rating: 9
Short stories written by the late maestro Satyajit Ray, envisioned by brilliant directors and a stellar cast! Satyajit Ray was a gem. I have always wanted to see more of his work but couldn't find much of his curations. H. P. Lovecraft and Satyajit Ray, they were ahead of their time and I would love to see screen adaptations based on their work.
I absolutely loved this Netflix series. It has an Indian Black Mirror vibe to it. The performances were brilliant and stories were mind blowing. We need more such stories. India has a lot of content to offer, take in account our vast history/myths/folklore etc The soundtrack and colors used are placid and appealing. I have noticed that good movies generally have the same color palette :) I could compare the color palette to Tumbbad or Dev D.
I haven't watch many Bollywood movies as they are kind of redundant and only a handful are top notch yet undervalued. Would appreciate if more of these type of movies come in play rather than the unauthentic and infamous masalas. Brilliant series, a must watch!
Short stories written by the late maestro Satyajit Ray, envisioned by brilliant directors and a stellar cast! Satyajit Ray was a gem. I have always wanted to see more of his work but couldn't find much of his curations. H. P. Lovecraft and Satyajit Ray, they were ahead of their time and I would love to see screen adaptations based on their work.
I absolutely loved this Netflix series. It has an Indian Black Mirror vibe to it. The performances were brilliant and stories were mind blowing. We need more such stories. India has a lot of content to offer, take in account our vast history/myths/folklore etc The soundtrack and colors used are placid and appealing. I have noticed that good movies generally have the same color palette :) I could compare the color palette to Tumbbad or Dev D.
I haven't watch many Bollywood movies as they are kind of redundant and only a handful are top notch yet undervalued. Would appreciate if more of these type of movies come in play rather than the unauthentic and infamous masalas. Brilliant series, a must watch!
Great anthology except for the Episode Spotlight
tezzjoseph1 July 2021
1) Forget Me Not - Brilliant performance by Ali Fazal. He encompasses the struggle and frustration of the character and is point on with his performance.
2) Bahrupiya - KK Menon is brilliant however the story & narration could have been improved considerably
3) Hungama HKB - The best out of the 4 anthologies. Manoj Bajpayee is simply superb and once again shows why is such a treasure and an amazing actor
4) Spotlight - Yea, Naa - Just skip this... don't waste your time. The main actor is tragic and his voice gives me the creeps! Don't know why he was cast in this role.
2) Bahrupiya - KK Menon is brilliant however the story & narration could have been improved considerably
3) Hungama HKB - The best out of the 4 anthologies. Manoj Bajpayee is simply superb and once again shows why is such a treasure and an amazing actor
4) Spotlight - Yea, Naa - Just skip this... don't waste your time. The main actor is tragic and his voice gives me the creeps! Don't know why he was cast in this role.
Kk Menon Is Beyond All
priyanshupareek-1269225 June 2021
The anthology does not measure up !!
vimalasunder28 June 2021
To commemorate the birth centenary of Satyajit Ray, Directors SriJit Mukherjee, Abishek Chaubey and Vasan Balaa have chosen 4 iconic Ray short stories and have transformed them into present day stories.
The selection of the stories to represent the first season is impeccable, These are the most read short stories of Ray and hence the challenge to reconstruct them in the present milieu while keeping the core intact is indeed a huge challenge. The first two adaptations fall very short of that requirement. Spotlight hits some right spots but Hungama get it spot on and creates quite an Hungama.
Ali Faizal in Forget Me Not is good, The story is taut and the suspense is alive till the end, however, it does not quite measure up.
Kay Kay Menon as bahurupiya - again good, but with poor prosthetics his act becomes a caricature. The peer baba steals the thunder and Bahurupiya ends in a whimper.
Manoj Bajpayee as Musafir Ali is in his element and he has a lively tango with Gajaraj Rao. The sweep of the story is spellbinding and among the four this is the story that stays with you.
Spotlight as a theme has been much beleaguered and to remain interesting is no mean task. Good attempt but not quite there. The episode is more a campaign for kitsch and heroism ends up limping to the winning post.
Agreed it is a mammoth task to measure up to the colossus' creation. The biggest flaw in the process has been the complete loss of Indianess (except Hungama , which is why it redeems itself). Forget me not and spotlight look like sham Hollywood stories . The images and language (especially the language , I am sure Ray would be wincing in his grave) are too loud and garish to settle comfortably in a short story format. Plus, they have been shorn of the classism and finesse Ray gives his narration and characters (using humour which is mostly dark, wry but not puerile) . Its just half way there and i see the empty glass more....... PS: Only "ki...li...peto...menia" will not do, it takes more to own something! 😁
The selection of the stories to represent the first season is impeccable, These are the most read short stories of Ray and hence the challenge to reconstruct them in the present milieu while keeping the core intact is indeed a huge challenge. The first two adaptations fall very short of that requirement. Spotlight hits some right spots but Hungama get it spot on and creates quite an Hungama.
Ali Faizal in Forget Me Not is good, The story is taut and the suspense is alive till the end, however, it does not quite measure up.
Kay Kay Menon as bahurupiya - again good, but with poor prosthetics his act becomes a caricature. The peer baba steals the thunder and Bahurupiya ends in a whimper.
Manoj Bajpayee as Musafir Ali is in his element and he has a lively tango with Gajaraj Rao. The sweep of the story is spellbinding and among the four this is the story that stays with you.
Spotlight as a theme has been much beleaguered and to remain interesting is no mean task. Good attempt but not quite there. The episode is more a campaign for kitsch and heroism ends up limping to the winning post.
Agreed it is a mammoth task to measure up to the colossus' creation. The biggest flaw in the process has been the complete loss of Indianess (except Hungama , which is why it redeems itself). Forget me not and spotlight look like sham Hollywood stories . The images and language (especially the language , I am sure Ray would be wincing in his grave) are too loud and garish to settle comfortably in a short story format. Plus, they have been shorn of the classism and finesse Ray gives his narration and characters (using humour which is mostly dark, wry but not puerile) . Its just half way there and i see the empty glass more....... PS: Only "ki...li...peto...menia" will not do, it takes more to own something! 😁
Illogical
joshiyash-8211027 June 2021
Pretty good
nafis-rock9 July 2021
Misleading title but fantastic making
armaansm3 July 2021
A fan of Satyajit Ray and a Bangladeshi, I was hopeful for this series. But, the series is a misleading in the name of the prominent Indian film figure. Instead of saying it Ray, it could be said as the inspiration of the Ray's work.
To my concern, the first and the third ones were good. In "forget me not", Ali Fazal ,as a ruthless businessman, nailed the character perfectly. In "Hungama Hai Kyon Barpa", two talented actors Manoj and Gajraj were fascinatingly entertaining. But, Bahrupiya had an aimless plot, despite Kay Kay was fantastic. Spotlight was so boring and childish performance by the lead Harshvardhan, even a fantastic performer Radhika couldn't save it.
I appreciate the making.
To my concern, the first and the third ones were good. In "forget me not", Ali Fazal ,as a ruthless businessman, nailed the character perfectly. In "Hungama Hai Kyon Barpa", two talented actors Manoj and Gajraj were fascinatingly entertaining. But, Bahrupiya had an aimless plot, despite Kay Kay was fantastic. Spotlight was so boring and childish performance by the lead Harshvardhan, even a fantastic performer Radhika couldn't save it.
I appreciate the making.
Good actors in all episodes. Probably the making went awry.
dhunjiwadia28 June 2021
If you put me in a room of people discussing #SatyajitRay, I'll be the one with lesser knowledge. But even then I'll have a better comprehension than the makers of #Ray.
The Disclaimer at the beginning states - among other things - the makers do not intend to disrespect any person - Did they consider Satyajit Ray?
To quote Satyajit Ray - There's always some room for improvisation. But that can't give anybody the license to change the essence/soul of the story. The series is called Ray and then the makers go and change the stories without any thought to the ethos of the originals. Only episode 3 is good as it preserves Barin Bhowmik-er Byaram's perspective with flourish and style. The others are new stories with a little similarity to the originals. Then why call this series Ray? Give them any original title.
Good actors in all. Probably the making went awry. The intention would be to do something different - didn't work out.
The Disclaimer at the beginning states - among other things - the makers do not intend to disrespect any person - Did they consider Satyajit Ray?
To quote Satyajit Ray - There's always some room for improvisation. But that can't give anybody the license to change the essence/soul of the story. The series is called Ray and then the makers go and change the stories without any thought to the ethos of the originals. Only episode 3 is good as it preserves Barin Bhowmik-er Byaram's perspective with flourish and style. The others are new stories with a little similarity to the originals. Then why call this series Ray? Give them any original title.
Good actors in all. Probably the making went awry. The intention would be to do something different - didn't work out.
Magic of Ray
geetek-0123229 June 2021
Actors in this movie proved that we have potential in Bollywood can produce world class cinema.
K k, Manoj, Ali and Harsh are fantastic actors.
Supporting cas did fabulous job in all four stories.
Spotlight is my favorite 👏👏
Special thanks to directors for bringing such beautiful craft for audience.
K k, Manoj, Ali and Harsh are fantastic actors.
Supporting cas did fabulous job in all four stories.
Spotlight is my favorite 👏👏
Special thanks to directors for bringing such beautiful craft for audience.
Half good!
santoshambekar1927 June 2021
It's really good to see good Content series coming on OTT platform and x-ray adds very well to that list.
The series is based on Satyajit rays collection of short stories. And well the first season is halfway good as the first two episodes of the series are really good and surprising.
The other two episodes wash away the interest. But overall it's good and the makers must think of renewing the season.
The series is based on Satyajit rays collection of short stories. And well the first season is halfway good as the first two episodes of the series are really good and surprising.
The other two episodes wash away the interest. But overall it's good and the makers must think of renewing the season.
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