Bisay Chalachitra, written in Bengali, is a collection of various writings on films and everything related to films. The book is written by one of India’s greatest film-makers- Satyajit Ray. This book presents the writings of the film-maker and his take on the art and craft of films. The release of Pather Panchali in 1955 heralded the arrival of a master in the world of cinema. Though Ray was a great director, he is also known for being a prolific writer. He wrote short stories, novels, and essays on cinema. This book is a collection of those very memorable writings on cinema, films, and film-making. Bisay Chalachitra discusses various different subjects related to films. Ray talks about the structure and language of cinema and the appropriate use of dialogues and background music in films. He also discusses the essential developments in cinema such as the invention of color and sound in cinema. Moreover, the relationship between a film-maker and a film critic is described in this book. The book reflects all throughout the pages, the masterly precision and clarity that also characterizes Ray’s films. Originally written in Bengali, the book has been translated into English as well and published as Speaking of Films.

Satyajit Ray (1921�92) was one of the greatest film-makers of his time. In 1992, he was awarded the Oscar for Lifetime Achievement by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In the same year he was also honoured with the Bharat Ratna.

Ray was also a writer of repute, and his short stories, novellas, poems and articles, written in Bengali, have been immensely popular. He has published several books in Bengali, most of which became bestsellers. He is also the author of the famous Feluda stories, the translations of which are available in Penguin.