Distant Thunder (1973), also known as, Ashani Sanket is a cinematic masterpiece that takes us back to the heart-wrenching period of the Great Famine of 1943 in Bengal, India. Directed by the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, this Indian Bengali-language film is a poignant portrayal of a cataclysmic event that claimed the lives of more than 3 million people.
Here’s how you can watch and stream Distant Thunder (1973) via streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video.
Is Distant Thunder (1973) available to watch via streaming?
Yes, Distant Thunder (1973) is available to watch via streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
The film is set against the backdrop of World War II, in a small village in West Bengal, India. The narrative unfolds through the lives of a young Brahmin doctor-teacher, Gangacharan, and his wife, Angana. As the British government requisitions civilian food supplies for its armies, the villagers find themselves grappling with an unprecedented crisis – hunger and starvation.
Gangacharan, who has recently settled in the village with his wife Ananga, decides to start a school. In exchange for his services, the villagers support him. However, as the famine intensifies, the fabric of the community begins to unravel, and the struggle for survival takes precedence.
Distant Thunder (1973) is not just a film; it’s a mirror held up to society, reflecting the harsh realities of a man-made disaster. The film progresses at a pace that mirrors the rhythm of village life, gradually revealing the disintegration of traditional norms under the relentless pressure of hunger.
The film is a testament to Ray’s genius, his ability to weave a compelling narrative around a historical event, and his sensitivity in portraying the human condition. The film, shot in color, stands out in Ray’s oeuvre and continues to be relevant today, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
The character of Gangacharan Chakravarti is portrayed by Soumitra Chatterjee, while Bobita plays the role of his wife, Angana. Sandhya Roy and Chitra Banerjee are cast as Chutki and Moti, respectively. Govinda Chakravarti takes on the role of Dinabandhu, with Anil Ganguly as Nibaran. Noni Ganguly plays ‘Scarface’ Jadu, Debatosh Ghosh is cast as Adhar, and Ramesh Mukherjee as Biswas. Sheli Pal and Suchita Ray Chaudhury play the characters of Mokshada and Khenti respectively.
Watch Distant Thunder (1973) streaming via Amazon Prime Video
Distant Thunder (1973) 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.
The Distant Thunder (1973) synopsis is as follows:
“Gangacharan is the new Brahmin of a village, where he assumes various duties: teaching, organizing religious events, and trying to prevent epidemics. But in that year 1943, war is raging (as reminded by the planes occasionally heard flying over the countryside), and a major famine is under way. As food shortages reach catastrophic proportions, Gangacharan attempts to preserve his privileged situation, while his generous wife, Ananga, conversely tries to help and support the community.”
NOTE: The streaming services listed above are subject to change. The information provided was correct at the time of writing.
