The Deliverance 1981
Satyajit Ray's *The Deliverance (1981)* weaves a stark drama centered on Gita Siddharth's unnamed village tanner, a marginalized artisan whose daughter's future hinges on a cruel bargain with the local priest.
Director: Satyajit Ray
Cast
Om Puri
Dukhi
Smita Patil
Jhuria
Mohan Agashe
Bramhin
Gita Siddharth
The Brahmin's wife
Richa Mishra
Dhania
Bhaialal Hedao
The Gond
Salil Dhar Diwan
Shyam Sundar Sharma
Wahid Shareef
Anand Chaube
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Deliverance (1981) about?
The film follows a poor village tanner who seeks the priest's help to set a marriage date for his daughter. In return, the priest demands unpaid labor, trapping the family in a cycle of exploitation and despair. Ray's drama highlights the harsh realities of caste oppression and its human toll.
Who directed The Deliverance?
Satyajit Ray, the acclaimed Indian filmmaker known for classics like *Pather Panchali* and *The Apu Trilogy*, directed *The Deliverance*.
Who stars in The Deliverance?
The cast includes Om Puri, Smita Patil, Mohan Agashe, Gita Siddharth, and Richa Mishra, with each actor bringing depth to the film's themes.
Is The Deliverance (1981) worth watching?
While unrated, *The Deliverance* is a compelling watch for fans of Ray's work or those interested in social dramas. Its concise runtime and powerful performances make it a poignant, if bleak, exploration of injustice. Seek it out if you appreciate nuanced, character-driven storytelling.
How long is The Deliverance?
The film runs for 45 minutes, fitting neatly into a single viewing session.
The Deliverance (1981) Review — Satyajit Ray's Forgotten Drama of Caste and Survival
Satyajit Ray's *The Deliverance (1981)* weaves a stark drama centered on Gita Siddharth's unnamed village tanner, a marginalized artisan whose daughter's future hinges on a cruel bargain with the local priest. Directed by the legendary Ray, the 45-minute TV movie unfolds against the oppressive backdrop of caste hierarchies, where tradition and exploitation collide. Om Puri and Smita Patil deliver powerhouse performances as key figures trapped in this suffocating cycle, their portrayals lending gravity to Ray's critique of social injustice. The film's claustrophobic atmosphere mirrors the inescapable pressures of a system that strips dignity from the already dispossessed, leaving viewers to ponder the cost of survival in such a world.
This quietly devastating drama lingers long after the credits roll, its concise runtime packed with emotional weight and unsettling realism. Ray's signature storytelling shines through even in this lesser-known gem, offering a glimpse into the struggles of India's underclass. Perfect for fans of thought-provoking cinema, *The Deliverance (1981)* is a poignant exploration of power, poverty, and the resilience of the human spirit.
