Said to be one of the most melodramatic films in his filmography, Ray created a film with has references to illegal drug smuggling and prostitution, yet is still subtle and tackles issues of social status, and most interesting, Christianity and how religion plays a part in the Indian caste system.

"It's an interesting fusion of styles in Indian cinema, for the most part successful."

The film touches on a lot of interesting issues, although I probably didn't get the full implications of the caste/religious differences (I think I got the gist of it, though). However, it's a bit too blunt and for a Satyajit Ray film it seems to lack his special touch. Ray regular Soumitra Chatterjee is in fine form though, playing against type instead of his usual educated sophisticate. A good movie, but not one of Ray's best.