Rickshaw-wala

Synopsis

Rickshaw-wala (রিকশাওয়ালা), released in 1955 and directed by Tapan Sinha, is a poignant Bengali drama centered around the life of a humble rickshaw puller portrayed by Kali Bannerjee. The film delicately explores themes of poverty, dignity, and human resilience, capturing the socio-economic realities of post-independence India. Through the struggles and aspirations of its protagonist, the narrative paints a vivid picture of the daily hardships faced by the working class, while also highlighting the humanity and hope that persist amid adversity. The film is noted for its realistic portrayal and compelling performances that bring authenticity to this timeless story.

Cast

• 

  Kali Bannerjee

• 

  Tripti Mitra

• Sital Bannerjee

• Shanti Pal

• Santi Bhattacharya

Reviews

Rickshaw-wala has been lauded over the decades for its sincere depiction of everyday life and social issues prevalent during the 1950s in India. Critical reception on platforms like IMDb reflects an appreciation for its heartfelt storytelling and strong performances, particularly that of Kali Bannerjee, who is praised for his nuanced and empathetic portrayal of the rickshaw puller. While the film may not boast the high-production values seen in contemporary cinema, critics on retrospective reviews highlight its significance in Indian cinematic history and its enduring emotional impact. Some critiques note the film's pacing as measured by modern standards, but universally acknowledge its cultural value and thought-provoking narrative. On IMDb, the film holds a respectable rating around 7/10, indicating positive audience reception. Unfortunately, it lacks extensive coverage on aggregated review sites like Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic due to its vintage status and regional origin, but film historians and enthusiasts regard it as a classic of Bengali and Indian parallel cinema.

See also

Pieces of a Woman

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