South Asia in Film Screening: Devi (1960)

Description

Devi, or "Goddess," is an Indian drama by Satyajit Ray set in rural Bengal during the 19th century. It tells the story of a widowed zamindar (land-owning noble) who becomes convinced that his daughter-in-law is an incarnation of the goddess Kali. News of her supposed power spreads to disastrous effect, leaving a lasting impact on the whole family. The overt theme of the conflict between rationality and superstition is subtly recast in this film as the currents of illicit desire, the unknownness of the woman to herself, and the failure of knowledge as self-knowledge.

Bengali with English subtitles.

This film screening is hosted by the Global South Humanities Initiative as part of the South Asia in Film series.