The World of Apu (1959)

Liberated from attachments after Sarbojaya's death in Aparajito (1956), Apu, now a 23-year-old idealist and struggling author, barely scrapes by. And being no longer accountable to anyone, Apu has given up his dreams for lack of financial resources. After all, he is content with a meagre income and a humble roof over his head. But life is unexpected. As Aparna, the delicate sister of university friend Pulu, enters Apu's life, a wonderful, youthful romance changes everything. All his life, death and loss have accompanied Apu on his perpetual odyssey of spirituality and knowledge. Now, a lifetime of joys, hopes, sadness, and tragedies culminates in the most momentous decision of his life. But tragedy cannot define life's mysterious duality. What more could one ask for than a child's charming, wide-eyed smile?—Nick Riganas