La pierre philosophale

Parash Pathar is one of early Ray movies which tells a story of an ordinary office clerk who comes across a magic stone which turns iron onto gold. Tulsi Chakraborty, who plays a role of a lifetime in this classic piece, is the clerk whose life changes after he discovers that the small simple stone is the "Parash Pathar", the stone which can give him infinite riches as long as he can find enough scrap iron. The comical flair of Tulsi Chakraborty is a treat to watch. It would not be an exaggeration to say that he is possibly one of the finest actors to come out of India who can play a comic role with élan and ease.

The wit of the script is enjoyable throughout, though this can get lost in sub-titles. This is a movie which is fun to watch, specially in scenes where we see Tulsi Chakraborty learning the ways of a rich man, attending parties, planning how to spend his new found wealth. Overall I rate this film at 9/10. Highly recommended.