Stories by Rabindranath Tagore

Anurag Basu has given Rabindranath Tagore's stories a realistic punch keeping the British India that we read of only in our History Textbooks. These episodes are all based on Rabindranath Tagore's Short Stories. Shot in old Kolkata to keep the late 1800's and early 1900's along with the attire of those days, which before was only limited to books.

He has shown us those raw emotions that Rabindranath Tagore expresses in his stories, those twists and turns at the most unexpected times, and the same thrill that used to keep the readers of his books keep their lights on till the wee hours of morning at their bedside being given to us in our television sets, along with the background scores which elates to the scene, making this series beautiful.

Beautifully portrayed stories, the culture, the social issues and how women stood up to it in those times. It also showed hoe there were always strong minded women and gentle carin men in their life who stood by and supported. Wish we could see that in today's society. I was impressed by the costumes and music that fitted so well. I was captured by the series and watched every one. I woul love to buy some DVDs to keep and give as presents to friends, not sure where to buy them

A beautiful compilation of wonderful stories by Rabindranath Tagore depicted aesthetically in this must watch series. Anyone interested in India or Indian culture or Indian stories will definitely love this. If you liked Parineeta you will like this. I am so glad that Netflix features this. Had such fun watching the stories we read as children. Anurag Basu has also done a great job in turning these classics into a motion series. We need to revive more of such stories. They make the world seem like a better place and i want to go back to this India.. visit India again, live in this India. This was like an adult version of Malgudi Days. Not that I can ever get too old for Malgudi Days.

In response to the review by ekeby, I feel there are many in America who would enjoy this series, and maybe use it as a springboard to learn more about Rabindranath Tagore and his works ... provided it is brought to their attention ... maybe a promotional banner on the Netflix home page?

The series is a delight to the senses, with an attention to detail in all aspects of production ... the camera work and the settings, the color and lighting, the props and the costumes. The musical score is an added delight. I enjoy the performances, even though I have to rely upon English subtitles - I genuinely believe what the characters say, and the emotions they display with honesty and a total lack of melodrama.

I am only into Episode 7, but I plan on seeing this series through all the way to the end. Does it faithfully transfer Tagore's writings to the television screen? That I can't say ... but I hope to correct that in the near future with a visit to the bookstores in search of English translations of those writings.

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.