Hirak Rajar Deshe is a Bengali film in the genre of political satire. Written and directed by Satyajit Ray, the film is unforgettable and holds a strong relevance even in this decade.

The film tells us that an oppressive ruler can be brought down by the people only. The current situation in Bengal is similar to the condition of the common people during the reign of the oppressive ruler in the mining state of Hirak in the film Harak Rajar Deshe.

The film still holds relevance in this century by depicting the oppression of the people in the hands of an oppressive ruler who has encouraged corruption in food sector, sold jobs instead of creating jobs, selling hospital supplies outside hospitals, spurious drugs and hiring untrained nurses.

Teaching jobs are sold at around lakhs of rupees to people who haven’t qualified in the exams. Extortion of money from common people under any pretext is not uncommon.

The film is farsighted and well-woven to hold the viewer’s attention. The imagination of the author-director and his versatility in storytelling, writing, screen presentation, use of imagery, composing music and designing set and clothes to build a make-believe world is perhaps a rare talent.