.
Title: The Figure of Varanasi in Cinema and Literature: A Comparative Analysis of G. Vignali and G. Prata’s Film “Verso Benares” and Pierre Loti’s Publication “The Ganges”
Varanasi, also known as Benares, is a city in India that has been a significant subject in both cinema and literature. This article aims to explore the portrayal of Varanasi in these two mediums, focusing on G. Vignali and G. Prata’s film “Verso Benares” and Pierre Loti’s publication “The Ganges.”
“Verso Benares,” a 1961 Italian neorealist film, offers a raw and unfiltered view of Varanasi. Directed by G. Vignali and G. Prata, the film follows the journey of a young Italian man, played by Franco Nero, who travels to Varanasi in search of spiritual enlightenment. The film captures the city’s bustling streets, its holy ghats, and the daily rituals of its inhabitants, providing a stark contrast to the Western world. The film’s portrayal of Varanasi is gritty and real, focusing on the city’s spiritual and cultural richness, but also its poverty and hardships.
On the other hand, Pierre Loti, a French writer, presents a more romanticized view of Varanasi in his 1898 publication, “The Ganges.” Loti’s account is based on his own journey along the Ganges River, which flows through Varanasi. He describes the city as a “city of light,” filled with “enchanting beauty” and “divine mystery.” Loti’s writing emphasizes the spiritual significance of Varanasi, but also its exotic allure, painting a picture of a city that is both sacred and seductive.
Despite the differences in their approaches, both “Verso Benares” and “The Ganges” share a common theme: the spiritual quest that draws individuals to Varanasi. In the film, the protagonist seeks enlightenment, while in Loti’s book, the writer seeks a deeper understanding of the spiritual traditions of India. Both works also highlight the contrast between the Western
website: www.benaresfilm.com