I don't know why I avoided this movie for so long. Maybe it's the (imdb) plot description that made it seem dry: "Depicts the end days of a decadent zamindar (landlord) in Bengal, and his efforts to uphold his family prestige even when faced with economic adversity."

'Dry' couldn't be further from the truth. Wow, what a powerful film. It still applies today. It's the eternal conflict of old ways vs. new but told in a way that's sympathetic to the old. Think Fiddler on the Roof but without the light hearted approach & singalong lyrics. The zamindar is a somewhat lovable old coot whose addiction to expensive music concerts is his way of clinging to family honour even though debts and the rising river (great metaphor) are eating away at the estate. The music is first rate, even if you're not a fan of Indian classical, the talent and showmanship is undeniable.

I was thinking, in the hands of a respected director today, this could easily be told in a modern context. Not to upstage the original but to re-introduce the story to new audiences. I would pick a director like Wim Wenders who has a great feel for music in his films and who isn't afraid to sacrifice thrills for poetry. The topic is very much in line with his Buena Vista Social Club.