Research Proposal

Candidate
Riyashad Azim Toha
 Proposed Topic
Analysing the frames of “Apu trilogy” (9 shots)

Introduction​: Framing is basically known as the act, process, or style of

putting subjects and objects together in a frame. Satyajir Ray was one of the
legendary persons who was well known for his framing in his films. His
framing in the films Pather Panchali, Aparajito and Apur Sansar is still
remembered for its framing. Although, there are variety of topics which
could be researched about “Apu trilogy” but studying about Satyajit Ray's
framing techniques in these films would be interesting. The plot
summaries of Apu trilogy are mentioned shortly bellow -

Pather Panchali : It is the story of life in a small Indian village where a

young boy, Apu and his who were not financially stable lived. Apu’s father
Harihar was a writer and poet who gave away the family's fruit orchard to
settle his brother's debts. Apu’s sister Durga and an old aunt also lived with
them and his mother Sarbojaya bears the brunt of the family's situation.
She scrapes by and sells her personal possessions to put food on the table
and has to bear the taunts of her neighbors as Durga is always stealing fruit
from their orchard. Things get worse when Harihar disappears for five
months in search of work and Durga falls ill and dies. Even after Harihar
returns, the family is left with few alternatives.

Aparajito : After living a while in Benares, 10 year old Apu and his mother
move in with her uncle in a small Bengali village. Apu enters a local school,
where he does well. By the time he graduates, he has a scholarship to study
at a college in Calcutta. So off he goes. His mother is torn by his leaving,
and by his growing independence. She loves her son very much and wants
him to succeed, but she does not want to be left alone.

Apur Sansar : Apu is a jobless former student dreaming vaguely of a

future as a writer. An old college friend talks him into a visit up-country to a
village wedding. This changes his life, for when the bridegroom turns out to
be mad, Apu's friend asks him to become the husband. After initial
revulsion at the idea, Apu agrees. Apu takes his exquisite bride, Aparna,
back to Calcutta. But Aparna dies while giving birth, Apu leaves Calcutta,
crazy with grief, and his son Kajal is left abandoned with his wife's parents.
Only after a long period of total indifference to worldly responsibilities,
does Apu become capable of returning to the world.

Research question :
Qualitative -
1. Composition in Satyajit Ray's “Apu trilogy”.
2. Framing and angle in Satyajit Ray's “Apu trilogy”.
3. Framing and composition in relation with visual storytelling.

Literature review : ​Framing is one of the most important elements in

filmmaking. Through framing reality can be enhanced or can be
manipulated. According to Film theoreticians, frames can show the reality
or can create fallacies. Ray introduced the reality of villages in India
through his frames and telling the story of Apu's life. Many research has
been done about Ray's film will be used as reference to create a detailed
research about the particular topic.

Research methodology : ​The research will be done in a qualitative

method. There will be books, web pages and other thesis papers will be
used for literature review. This monograph will contain the detail of
framing, elements of composition, camera angles as a part of storytelling.
Importance of framing, proportion of light and angles will be the points to
be highlighted.

Budget: ​5,000 Tk.

Funding: ​Self Funding

Statement of Limitations : ​This research will be in a qualitative method

and Ray is not available anymore for interviewing. Only interviews from his
previous videos will be given preference. There are plenty of shots to be
discussed about but only limited shots will be selected.

Conclusion : ​Satyajit Ray was one of the pioneers who left their foot
marks in the film industry. His shot taking techniques are steel praised. It
will be a great pleasure to research on the shots of his dream project "Apu
trilogy". Ray's story telling technique will also be a part of this research by
applying the theory of realism into his frames.