It's an enterprising feat to retell and revive the stories of India's most revered cinematic and literary genius, whose works are a part of cultural upbringing in the life of a Bengali. Directors Srijit Mukherji, Abhishek Chaubey and Vasan Bala in association with creator Sayantan Mukherjee, deploy the blueprint of filmmaker Satyajit Ray's short stories to deliver contemporary narratives that smartly weave in themes around four of the seven deadly sins.

The first, 'Forget Me Not', directed by Srijit, explores pride. Ipsit Nair (Ali Fazal) is admired for possessing a brain alike a human computer, boasting of a great memory. But when he is unable to recall a chance encounter, the instance threatens to turn his world upside-down, sending him into an abyss of self-doubt and delusion.

The second, Bahrupiya, also directed by Srijit, brushes upon wrath. Indrashish Shah (Kay Kay Menon), a timid common man uses his interest for artificial make-up and prosthetics to get back at those who've wronged him. His rage will either liberate him or consume him to a point of no redemption.

'Hungama Hai Kyun, Barpa' by Chaubey, a delightful story as the third episode, teases greed. Musafir Ali (Manoj Bajpayee) and Aslam Baig (Gajraj Rao) are two strangers on a train, who can't seem to shrug off the thought of having met one another before. This one might clearly emerge as a crowd favourite as watching two fine actors compliment each other on-screen is a sheer joy.

The concluding episode 'Spotlight', directed by Bala, highlights envy in a clever satire. Vikram Arora (Harshvarrdhan Kapoor) is confronted with his insecurities when the fan-following and the mass hysteria surrounding a demi-goddess threatens his popularity.

The world of 'Ray' is arresting but the inconsistent treatment towards respective episodes can endanger its viewing prospects. But in its entirety, the anthology largely benefits from fine performances by each of its lead cast. Ali maintains a neat balance between naivety and arrogance. Same goes for Menon who walks the thin rope between his vulnerabilities and connivance. Bajpayee and Rao bring in a pleasing innocence to their shrewdness. While Harshvardhan displays immense maturity and energy in his act. It's a great rise in graph from 'Bhavesh Joshi Superhero' and 'AK vs AK'. He is superbly supported by Chandan Roy Sanyal as his manager Roby, who indulges in Vikram's quirks despite his patience thinning out. Though each episode is centered around the men, the ladies aren't far behind in leaving their impressions. Shweta Basu Prasad emotes through her silence as Ipsit's colleague Maggie. Anindita Bose casts a spell as Ipsit's flame Rhea. Bidita Bag is ambitious yet susceptible as Indrashish's muse, Debashree. Radhika Madan as Devi marks her second collaboration with Bala in 'Spotlight', post 'Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota'. Her final act will leave you in awe. Akansha Ranjan Kapoor as Vikram's partner Anuya is suitably pragmatic and neutral.

Storytelling flaws aside, 'Ray' proves to be a great medium to introduce and acquaint us to the works of an extremely revered and celebrated pop culture figure. If nothing else, compelling performances are always welcome.