One of the pioneer films of the `New Cinema` was the first directorial venture of Basu Chatterjee. After having worked 18 years as a cartoonist and illustrator for the famous weekly tabloid, Blitz, and also assisting Basu Bhattacharya on his film, Teesri Kasam (1966) Basu Chatterjee himself turned to direction and made his first film, Sara Akash in 1969. Quite prolific today he has made more than 40 films. His very first film was heralded as one of the 3 films, along with those of Mani Kaul and Mrinal Sen. which ushered in the era of New Cinema. This film was shot on real locations in black and white to emphasize the gloomy atmosphere in the town and family where the story is set.

However, Sara Akash was perhaps the first and last of Basu Chatterjee`s films that was in vein of the New Cinema. His later films were more commercial yet they differed from the usual Hindi flicks. His protagonists always seem to be next door neighbors. Although he was telling a story he would deal with real situations. Another impressive film by Chatterjee was made in 1997, based on the novel by Sarat Chandra Chatterjee. The name of the movie was Swami. It starred Girish Karnad and Shabana Azmi.

Kamala ki Maut (1989) was a sensitive film. The story was about a family where the 20 year girl commits suicide. As the film progresses one finds out that the incident traumatizes another family in the neighborhood consisting of a couple and their two daughters.

Basu Chatterjee`s Triya Charitra (1995) once again reflected the impact of the auteur cinema. The film starred Om Puri and Naseeruddin Shah. once again this movie deal with women and society.







A filmography of Basu Chatterjee will include the following films too:-

Piya Ka Ghar(1971)	Tumhare Liye (1978)	Do Ladke Dono Kadke (1979)	Lakhon Ki Baat (1984)
Us-Paar(1974)	Khatta Meetha (1978)	Baaton Baaton Mein (1979)	Chameli Ki Shaadi (1986)
Rajnigandha (1974)	Dillagi (1978)	Apne Paraye (1980)	Sheesha (1986)
Chhoti Si Baat (1975)	Chakravyuha (1978)	Man Pasand (1980)	Kirayadar (1986)
Chitchor (1976)	Ratnadeep (1979)	Shaukeen (1981)	Zevar (1987)
Safed Jhoot (1977)	Prem Vivah (1979)	Hamari Bahu Alka (1982)	Durga (1989)
Priyatama (1977)	Jeena Yahan (1979)	Pasand Apni Apni (1983)	Gudgudee(1997)