Satyajit Ray’s ‘Panther Pachali’ ranks as ‘Best Indian film of all time

Till date, film maestro Satyajit Ray is considered as one of the finest filmmakers in the history of world cinema.

Recently, the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) conducted a survey, where two of Satyajit Ray's films— "Pather Panchali" and "Charulata" ranked as first and seventh in India's "Best films of all time" list.

The India chapter of FIPRESCI chose 10 films in the history of Indian cinema of as the 'best of all time', through a secretly conducted poll.

The 1955 film "Pather Panchali" is based on Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay's 1929 Bengali novel of the same name, which marked Ray's directorial debut. It was the first film in his 'Apu' trilogy, followed by "Aparajito" and "Apur Sansar".

A list of the All Time Ten Best Indian Films, from a poll by FIPRESCI-India (India chapter of the International Federation of Film Critics: FIPRESCI) pic.twitter.com/at4KtvaiGX

— Baradwaj Rangan (@baradwajrangan) October 20, 2022

The entire list is dominated by filmmakers who are also known for the parallel film movement in India, focusing on social conflicts and politics and those that are not mainstream entertainment.

In the list, "Meghe Dhaka Tara" ranks second. The 1960 drama has been directed by Ritwik Ghatak. The list follows by Mrinal Sen's "Bhuvan Shome", the 1969 film.

From fourth to sixth there are Adoor Gopalkrishnan's "Elippathayam", the 1981 film, Girish Kasaravalli's "Ghatashraddha", the 1977 film, and MS Sathyu's "Garm Hava", released in 1973. Shyam Benegal's "Ankur", Guru Dutt's 1954 "Pyaasa", and the 1975 blockbuster Hindi film "Sholay" also make the list.

Founded in 1930, the FIPRESCI gives out awards at reputed international film festivals, including the likes of— Vienna International Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, Warsaw Film Festival, and International Film Festival of Kerala.