Big Screen: “The Golden Fortress”

An adaptation of his popular 1971 mystery novel, Satyajit Ray’s 1974 film The Golden Fortress (Sonar Kella) introduces the director’s celebrated sleuth Feluda to the big screen in the first of many films and television shows. Young schoolboy Mukul Dhar gains media attention for claiming to be able to recall his past lives, recounting scenes from the Golden Fortress. When a pair of devious crooks attempts to kidnap the Mukul, expecting that the boy could lead them to hidden treasures at the site, Mukul’s father hires private investigator Feluda to thwart the criminals’ plans. Much of the narrative unfolds in the stunning desert landscape of Rajasthan, with a cast of colorful characters that includes Feluda’s cousin Topshe, parapsychologist Dr. Hemanga Hajra, and thriller writer Jatayu.

Bishnupriya Ghosh (English and Global Studies, UCSB) and Pujita Guha (Film and Media Studies, UCSB) will join moderator Bhaskar Sarkar (Film and Media Studies, UCSB) for a post-screening discussion of The Golden Fortress and its place in Ray’s career.