The Big City
1963, Bengali. Directed by Satyajit Ray.
Arati takes a job as a door-to-door saleswoman in Calcutta's wealthy neighbourhoods, in defiance of her traditionally-minded husband, Subrata, and his live-in parents. Emulating her Anglo-Indian friend Edith, who speaks equal to the men she encounters on the job, Arati quickly becomes her firm's top salesperson. When Subrata loses his job, the power dynamic begins to shift.
- Runtime
- 2h 16m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- Bengali
- Rated
- U
Start now and it ends at ….
Worth the Hype
Clear your evening for this.
7.8/10 from 113 TMDB viewer ratings.
Seen it? Give your verdict.
Saved privately on this device.
Where to watch The Big City
The Big City is streaming on HBO Max and Criterion Channel in India.
HBO Max Amazon Channel
Criterion Channel
HBO Max
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Satyajit RayDirector
- Madhabi MukherjeeArati Mazumdar
- Anil ChatterjeeSubrata Mazumdar
- Haren ChatterjeePriyogopal Mazumdar
- Haradhan BandyopadhyayHimangshu Mukherjee
- Vicky RedwoodEdith Simmons
- Jaya BachchanBani Mazumdar
- Sefalika DeviSarojini Mazumdar
- Prasenjit SarkarPintu Mazumdar
- Shyamal GhoshalAnupam
- Gitali RoyAnupam's Wife
- Tapan ChatterjeeSubrata's Colleague
- Bibhuti Bhushan BanerjeeCast
Details
- Released
- 27 September 1963
- Original title
- মহানগর
- Country
- India
- Written by
- Satyajit Ray
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
If you liked The Big City
The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds
1972 · 7.3/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Normal
2003 · 6.7/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Death of a Salesman
1985 · 6.9/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
A Family Man
2016 · 6.7/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Over the Top
1987 · 6.5/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Breathe In
2013 · 5.9/10
SnoozefestRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Pumpkin Eater
1964 · 6.6/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Hitchcock
2012 · 6.6/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Woman of Straw
1964 · 6.2/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
BUtterfield 8
1960 · 6.3/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Big City: quick answers
Is The Big City worth watching?
Our verdict is Worth the Hype: Clear your evening for this. It scores 7.8/10 from 113 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is The Big City?
The Big City runs 136 minutes (2h 16m).
Does The Big City have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Big City. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Big City parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Big City is rated U in India. That rating means it is generally fine for children.
Which OTT platform is The Big City on?
The Big City is streaming on HBO Max and Criterion Channel in India. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Big City?
If you liked The Big City, try The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, Normal, Death of a Salesman.
Who directed The Big City?
The Big City (1963) was directed by Satyajit Ray and stars Madhabi Mukherjee, Anil Chatterjee, Haren Chatterjee.