Aparajito

Aparajito, the sequel to the international smash, Pather Panchali, sees the return of a young boy named Apu who wants to go on to bigger and better things away from his village. The film continues where the first film left off, as Satyajit Ray did not initially plan to make a sequel, but after the monumental success of Pather Panchali, Ray strives to recapture the magic for the second time around. An older Apu receives a scholarship togo to school in Calcutta, but his mother, Sarbajaya, does not want him to leave. Apu’s mother eventually gives in and he begins a love affair with the city lifestyle, which leads to few visits to his mother in the village. Apu’s budding curiosity and intellect is juxtaposed with his deteriorating connection to his mother, which results in an extremely honest, heartfelt story. This 1956 Indian film, which translates to “the unvanquished” was a hit with viewers and critics alike and won three top prizes at the Venice Film Festival. It screens at 4 p.m. today at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Tickets are $9. (Manno)