Why Jana Aranya by Shankar Is a Must-Read | Satyajit Ray Film vs Book | Bengali Literature Review

*Spoiler free discussion*

In this video, I review Jana Aranya by Shankar — a powerful and unsettling portrait of middle-class struggle in 1970s Calcutta. Many of us know the story through Satyajit Ray’s film adaptation, but the novel offers far deeper psychological insight, richer social commentary, and a rawer look at compromise and survival.

I discuss why this book is essential reading even if you have already watched the film, how Shankar portrays Somnath’s moral erosion, and why the novel’s humour, atmosphere, and urban realism make it one of the most important works in modern Bengali literature.

Topics covered:
– Why you should read the book even after watching the movie
– Shankar vs. Satyajit Ray: what changes, what deepens
– Themes: unemployment, moral compromise, middle-class disillusionment
– Psychological depth
– My personal reflections on the novel

If you enjoy Bengali books, classics, and meaningful literature, this review is for you.
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