Stories by Rabindranath Tagore

This series is a collection of Rabindranath Tagore stories. Already while watching it I bought myself a book of his stories to read more by him as I loved the scenarios. It is also very amazing how at that time he was already very much pro gender equality as one can see in his strong female characters.

I am not too familiar in Indian culture and it was a nice introduction to the life and traditions back at the time when the stories take place. Each story is unique and beautifully told. The acting is great and what I loved the most was the beautiful scenery one can see in each story that makes one even more interested in that beautiful culture. It was a delight to watch.

Directed by Anurag Basu.. a nice adaption of the short stories by Tagore..They are set in British India during early 20th century... The show showcases some of Tagore's masterpieces including Chokharbali, Binodini, Charulata, Atithi and Kabuliwala.. In this time and age, a lot may sound more like a humdrum or even a cliche but Tagore's portrayal of progressive and to some extent chance takers - woman protagonists and the colonial India comes to life in this adaption ..

So overall, the series is composed of many of Rabindranath Tagore's stories and Basu narrates them using his own style, with his own beautiful interpretations in the series, linking them in a catchy style. The stories (though not intended to be linked by Tagore), are linked to almost seem it's all a one blend of a story from India, particular Bengal in the 20s/30s Colonised India.

While shot very aesthetically and artfully, with very realistic acting by the talented actors, the amazing photography and the beautiful scenery, it's the emotions and the culture that this show exudes which make it unique. The show seems to carry a soul of its own. The show has a certain charm and character of its own, which seems to be generating from the culture it reflects.

The complexities of arranged marriage, the feeling of being in love and being stuck, the family situations in those times all make sense and very new and original to watch.

The show stresses on gender equality and presents females taking a strong role in the society. It is very impressive to see Tagore, in those days, would write about such taboo topics, some of which are still considered Taboo in the current Indian society.

One of the most talked about feature, and well worth the praise, is the music and the songs of the T. V. Series. The songs are better than many of the current Bollywood song lyrics, with these songs representing the actual emotions as expressed by the characters, sung beautifully by some A-List singers and with a catchy and beautiful music to it. The background score of the entire show is especially catchy and keeps the audience craving for more and more.

The acting by the many talented actors is beautiful. The kids in Atithi and how well they have converted their emotions is truly amazing to witness. One can easily get lost in the stories, believing them to happening in real while watching the show.

The locations and screwy Basu has chosen covers almost the entirety of Bengal, making it look so much more beautiful and mesmerizing than it actually might be. And the show not just limits itself to the Zamindars or the Calcutta scenery, but extends on to Bengal Hill-stations up north, small mud houses, march villages.

Some of my remembered and favorite stories from this show will be (in no order of preference) Chokher Bail, Atithi, Maan Bhajan Girbala, Kabuliwala (beautifully portrayed), Punishment, Sampati, Chhooti, Mrinal Ki Chitthi. Although every story presented is unique on its own way touching upon the many shades of Grey that life is in their own way. The diversity of the shows shines through it's episodes, covering the different moods, from light to tender, from rich to poor, from the happy to the miserable.

Remarkable narration and keen performance of all the actors. The stories written 100 years ago relates even today's life events. It is nothing but Tagore's wisdom.

There were minor blemishes in art direction and small stuff, but the depth of the story just touches and freezes your heart with varied emotions. Get ready to drench in the ocean of emotions. In some episodes, I had the impact of watching ten world movies combined.

Expect a surprise for every episode. In episodes 7-10, Tagore has artistically portrayed some of the most complex relationships. A must watch for true cinema lovers.

The Television, despite being a very powerful and influential media all across the globe, has always remained an unrecognized force with respect to the Indian context. Although, there has been some flickers here , a sliver of hope there , yet nothing concrete has come out over the years.

"Stories by Rabindranath Tagore" will definitely provide the much needed respite to the Indian Televiewers,with sheer class. The helmsman Anurag Basu has the adequate expertise and vision to translate and deliver the beautifully layered timeless classics of the Bard onto a media through which the larger part of the country can savor their almost unhampered glory.

The series starts with the story "Chokher Bali" about the various dilemmas of a young widow's life in the backdrop of social renaissance in a colonized Bengal. "Binodini" played by Radhika Apte to the hilt is a masterpiece indeed. The viewer will be moved by her portrayal, and the play of emotions on her almost no-makeup countenance, the shadow of a despair and melancholy in her smile, beautifully complemented by the background score based on Tagore's songs. The cast and crew specially Sumit as "Bihari" deserve special mention. The director's expertise comes in the fact that each member of the unit have outperformed themselves. The Rabindrasangeet "Amaro Porano Jaha Chai" rendered by the soulful voice of Arijit Singh steals the show.

The last scene of "Chokher Bali" connects with the story "Atithi" in signature style of Anurag Basu with the Baul Sangeet in the background and the Bolpur Station in the background would make any Bengali nostalgic. Definitely, this series shows immense promise and I am keenly looking forward to the classics Noshtonir, Charulata, Kabuliwala on the small screen. #EPICAT10