Aparajito (1956), an Indian Bengali-language film, is the second installment of the renowned Apu Trilogy, directed by the legendary Satyajit Ray. Also known as The Unvanquished, it is an adaptation of the first half of Bibhutibhushan Bannerjee’s novel of the same name. It received international acclaim, and won numerous awards, including the Golden Lion and Critics Award at the Venice Film Festival, making it the first film to win both. The success of Aparajito paved the way for the final installment of the trilogy, Apur Sansar, cementing the Apu Trilogy’s place in the annals of cinematic history. The narrative picks up from where its predecessor, Pather Panchali, left off. It follows the life of the protagonist, Apu, from his childhood in the holy city of Varanasi to his adolescence in Calcutta.
Here’s how you can watch and stream Aparajito (1956) via streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max.
Is Aparajito (1956) available to watch via streaming?
Yes, Aparajito (1956) is available to watch via streaming on Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max.
The film opens in the 1920s, with Apu’s family having recently relocated to Varanasi. His father, Harihar, earns a living as a priest. However, after a series of events, Apu and his mother move to a small Bengali village to live with her uncle. The young boy’s life takes a turn when he enrolls in a local school. Apu’s academic prowess does not go unnoticed, and he eventually secures a scholarship to a college in Calcutta. This opportunity, however, comes with a price. Apu must leave his mother behind to pursue his dreams.
The movie is also a poignant exploration of the complex relationship between a mother and her son. As Apu grows more independent, his mother grapples with her own loneliness. She is proud of her son’s achievements but is also saddened by his growing detachment.
Aparajito is a timeless classic that beautifully captures the essence of human ambition, the pursuit of independence, and the complexities of familial relationships. It remains a testament to Satyajit Ray’s masterful storytelling and is a must-watch for any cinema enthusiast.
The main cast includes Pinaki Sengupta as young Apu, Smaran Ghosal as adolescent Apu, Kanu Banerjee as Harihar Ray, Apu’s father, and Karuna Banerjee as Sarbajaya Ray, Apu’s mother.
Watch Aparajito (1956) streaming via Amazon Prime Video
Aparajito (1956) is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video. It is a video streaming service operated by Amazon. An Amazon Prime subscription includes Prime Video perks. Amazon Prime Video features exclusive material including Amazon Original Shows.
You can watch via Amazon Prime Video by following these steps:
- Go to Amazon Prime Video
- Select ‘Sign in’ and ‘Create your Amazon account’
- Sign up for a Prime Video membership:
- $14.99 per month or $139 per year with an Amazon Prime membership
- $8.99 per month for a standalone Prime Video membership
Amazon Prime is the online retailer’s paid service that provides fast shipping and exclusive sales on products, so the membership that includes both this service and Prime Video is the company’s most popular offering. However, you can also opt to subscribe to Prime Video separately.
Watch Aparajito (1956) streaming via HBO Max
Aparajito (1956) is available to watch on HBO Max. It is a streaming service that provides a diverse selection of television series, movies, and original content. It is owned by Warner Bros.
You can watch via Max, formerly known as HBO Max, by following these steps:
- Go to HBOMax.com/subscribe
- Click ‘Sign Up Now’
- Choose your plan:
- $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year (with ads)
- $15.99 per month or $149.99 per year (ad-free)
- $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year (ultimate ad-free)
- Enter your personal information and password
- Select ‘Create Account’
Max With Ads provides the service’s streaming library at a Full HD resolution, allowing users to stream on up to two supported devices at once. Max Ad-Free removes the service’s commercials and allows streaming on two devices at once in Full HD. It also allows for 30 downloads at a time to allow users to watch content offline. On the other hand, Max Ultimate Ad-Free allows users to stream on four devices at once in a 4K Ultra HD resolution and provides Dolby Atmos audio and 100 downloads.
The Aparajito (1956) synopsis is as follows:
“Aparajito picks up where the first film leaves off, with Apu and his family having moved away from the country to live in the bustling holy city of Varanasi (then known as Benares). As Apu progresses from wide-eyed child to intellectually curious teenager, eventually studying in Kolkata, we witness his academic and moral education, as well as the growing complexity of his relationship with his mother. This tenderly expressive, often heart-wrenching film, which won three top prizes at the Venice Film Festival, including the Golden Lion, not only extends but also spiritually deepens the tale of Apu. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 1996.”
NOTE: The streaming services listed above are subject to change. The information provided was correct at the time of writing.
