Devi

Synopsis:
India, 1860. Doyamoyee and her husband Umaprasad live with his older brother, sister-in-law and wealthy father, Kalikinkar Roy. an aging widower, Roy is a highly respected feudal landlord and religious devotee of the Hindu goddess, Kali. While Umaprasad is away at college, Doyamoyee tends to her father-in-law's every need. She also spoils her nephew Khoka, with whom she enjoys a tender relationship. But the entire household is turned upside down when the aging Roy has a vision Doyamoyee of as the incarnation of his beloved deity, and insists she be worshiped as such. Then, a dying child is miraculously cured at her feet. News of the healing quickly spreads, and soon the aged, the sick and the poor come from miles away seeking comfort and solace. Once Umaprasad learns of this, he returns home to rescue his bride. But it's too late, for the frightened girl has already become a victim of religious fanaticism.

Notes:
According to biographer Andrew Robinson, this film ignited considerable controversy upon its release in India. In 1987, a young bride living in a small rural village committed suicide after being mistaken for the incarnation of a Hindu Goddess. Ray's film was seen as an attack on Hinduism itself. A community of protestors attempted to prevent the film's international release. However, the picture eventually received a governmental award, the President's Gold Medal. Additional cast members include, Kali Sarkar, Mohammed Israil, Khagsh Chakravarti, Nagendranath Kabyabyakarantirtha and Santa Devi. A Satyajit Ray Production.