Plot Summary: This is the story of Violet Stoneham, an ageing Anglo-Indian schoolteacher who lives in a dingy apartment in Calcutta and teaches Shakespeare. A pair of young lovers walks into her life one Christmas morning and break up its well regulated pattern. Nandita and Samaresh are tired of sneaking kisses in taxis and start using her apartment as a meeting place. In the process, a warm and exciting relationship grows up between the young lovers and the old lady. This newfound friendship becomes paramount in the old teachers life. But the ephemeral excitement vanishes and an estranged Violet once again finds solace in her beloved Shakespeare. The film ends with her reciting aloud from King lear on a deserted winter night, with a stray dog as her only audience.

Filmmaker Bio:
Date of birth (location): 25 October 1945 Calcutta, West Bengal, British India. [Now India]

Aparna Sen is one of India's most celebrated directors. Her directorial debut was an English film, 36 Chowranghee Lane, which she also wrote. The film won The Grand Prix at the Manila International Film Festival and the National Award for Best Direction in India. Her directorial work also includes memorable films such as Sati, Parama, and Yugant. Daughter of the renowned film historian, critic, and filmmaker, Chidanda Das Gupta, Aparna Sen is also one of India's finest actresses and has won several awards for acting.

Cast and lead cast bios:
 

Language: English

Length: 122 mins