Christopher Nolan Celebrates Satyajit Ray's Legacy at Criterion Closet

Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan recently visited the Criterion Closet in New York, where he expressed admiration for Satyajit Ray's 'The Apu Trilogy.' In a video, he praised the trilogy's first film, 'Pather Panchali,' and shared his excitement about watching the remaining films. The visit comes after the success of his latest film, 'The Odyssey,' which has achieved remarkable box office numbers. Nolan's recognition of Ray has sparked a wave of appreciation on social media, highlighting the enduring legacy of the Indian filmmaker. Discover more about this fascinating intersection of cinema and culture.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 26, 2026, 14:32 IST

Nolan's Visit to Criterion Closet

Renowned filmmaker Christopher Nolan, who recently won an Oscar, made a notable visit to the Criterion Closet in New York City, a prestigious collection housing over 1,000 iconic films from various countries. This visit follows the tremendous success of his latest project, 'The Odyssey.' While exploring the collection, Nolan picked out several of his favorite films, including the celebrated 'The Apu Trilogy' by Satyajit Ray. He praised Ray as one of the most significant directors in film history, highlighting the profound influence of the trilogy's first film, 'Pather Panchali.'

Nolan's Admiration for Ray

In a video released by the Criterion Collection, Nolan shared his deep appreciation for Ray's artistry, stating, "And then there's The Apu Trilogy by Satyajit Ray, one of the great Indian filmmakers. The trilogy starts with Pather Panchali, which is an absolutely incredible film. It just blew my mind." He also mentioned that he has yet to view the remaining films in the trilogy, expressing eagerness to complete the narrative. His remarks struck a chord with film lovers, especially in India, where Ray's legacy is held in high esteem.

Social Media Buzz

The video quickly gained traction on social media, with numerous fans commending Nolan for honoring Satyajit Ray's contributions. Comments varied from "One GOAT appreciating another GOAT" to "It's like God praising another God." Some viewers were taken aback that Nolan had only seen the first film of the trilogy, with one comment noting, "It's surprising he has only seen Pather Panchali and not the other two."

About 'The Apu Trilogy'

'The Apu Trilogy,' based on the novels by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, consists of 'Pather Panchali,' 'Aparajito,' and 'Apur Sansar.' These films depict Apu's life journey from childhood in rural Bengal to adulthood, delving into themes of family, dreams, sorrow, and resilience. This trilogy is celebrated as a landmark in Indian cinema, having earned numerous international awards, including National Film Awards and accolades at esteemed film festivals like Cannes, Berlin, and Venice.

Nolan's 'The Odyssey' Success

On another note, Nolan's 'The Odyssey' has seen extraordinary success, achieving the highest opening weekend of his career with a global box office total of $264 million. The film has also excelled in India, crossing ₹100 crore in its first week and becoming the top-grossing Hollywood film of the year in the region. Based on Homer's epic, 'The Odyssey' features Matt Damon as Odysseus, who encounters mythical beings and daunting trials in his journey to reunite with his wife Penelope, played by Anne Hathaway, and his son Telemachus, portrayed by Tom Holland.