Trilogy and other Ray films. In June 1981, when the film was in the final stages of post-production, Chandragupta died of a heart attack. The film is dedicated to him. Reception When initially released, the film was appreciated by a niche audience but did not do well commercially. Describing it as a "total loss", Shashi Kapoor lamented that at places he had to hire the theatres himself to exhibit it. Critically, however, the film was very well received. It won the Best Direction award for Sen at the National Film Awards. Ashok Mehta's camera work was much appreciated. 36 Chowringhee Lane was also entered in the first edition of the Manila International Film Festival, where it won the top prize. Scholar Wimal Dissanayake sees the film as a portrayal of the patriarchal social system: "The film portrays the plight of a lonely woman in a society that cares little for questions of female subjectivity and self-fulfillment." Legacy Indian films made in English (see also English-language Indian films) Prior to 36 Chowringhee Lane, film makers in India did not consider English to be a viable choice of language for feature films. After it, there has been a thin but steady stream of such films, including Sen's Mr. and Mrs. Iyer and 15 Park Avenue. In popular culture The title of the film has become symbolic of the city of Kolkata, particularly its cuisine. A Bangalore restaurant is called 36 Chowringhee Lane. A fast-food chain in Delhi is called 34 Chowringhee Lane. Awards The film has been nominated for and won the following awards since its release: 1982 Manila International Film Festival (Philippines) Won – Golden Eagle – Best Feature Film – 36 Chowringhee Lane – Aparna Sen 1981 National Film Awards Won – Golden Lotus Award – Best Director – Aparna Sen; Citation: For effectively orchestrating the creative and technical elements in her first film, for a poignant portrayal of loneliness in old age and for bringing to the screen a true-to-life situation in post-independence India. Won – Silver Lotus Award – Best Cinematography – Ashok Mehta Won – Silver Lotus Award – National Film Award for Best Feature Film in English; 1983 BAFTA Awards (UK) Nominated – Best Actress – Jennifer Kendal; 1982 Evening Standard British Film Awards (UK) Won – Best Actress – Jennifer Kendal References External links Film review 1981 films 1981 romantic drama films Indian romantic drama