Christopher Nolan calls Pather Panchali “Absolutely Incredible”

Right as Christopher Nolan dominated global box offices with The Odyssey, the director caught the immediate attention of Bengalis worldwide. During a visit to the famous Criterion Closet in New York, Nolan turned his eyes to a classic piece of South Asian cinema history. While browsing the Criterion Closet, he picked up the restored box set of The Apu Trilogy.

Christopher Nolan praised Ray as “one of the great Indian filmmakers.” He said Pather Panchali was “an absolutely incredible film” that “just blew my mind,” adding that he is eager to watch the remaining chapters, Aparajito and Apur Sansar, and complete the story.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

This admiration is not new.

During a visit to India in 2018, Nolan spoke about watching Pather Panchali for the first time. He called it “one of the best films ever made” and “an extraordinary piece of work.” At the time, he also expressed an interest in learning more about Indian cinema.

The trilogy begins with Ray’s 1955 debut, adapted from Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay’s novel, before following Apu from his childhood in rural Bengal into adulthood. Pather Panchali later won the Best Human Document award at the 1956 Cannes Film Festival and helped introduce Ray’s deeply human storytelling to audiences around the world.

The praise carries special weight, because the movie remains a source of great cultural pride and a lasting symbol of Ray’s genius. Its language, landscape and intimate portrait of family life carry a familiarity that makes every new global acknowledgement feel personal.

Ray hardly needs Nolan’s endorsement. Still, watching one of today’s most celebrated filmmakers validate the timeless beauty of Pather Panchali proves that authenticity never fades. It also shows that his admiration for Ray is not a passing reaction but a lasting respect.

Now, fans are left waiting to see if Nolan will finally sit down to complete the rest of Apu’s journey!