Low-budget film popular 1992 film "El Mariachi", in which the director Robert Rodriguez was unable to afford second takes due to the $7000 budget. Despite this, it was a success both critically and commercially, and started the young director's career. Some of the most critically acclaimed micro-budget films were by the Bengali film director Satyajit Ray, his most famous being "The Apu Trilogy" (1955–1959). The first film in the trilogy, "Pather Panchali" (1955), was produced on a shoestring budget of Rs.200,000 ($3000) using an amateur cast and crew. The three films are now frequently listed among the greatest films of all time.
Satyajit Ray filmography become a film-maker. Ray made his directorial debut in 1955 with "Pather Panchali" and directed 36 films, comprising 29 feature films, five documentaries, and two short films. Although Ray's work generally received critical acclaim, his film "Pather Panchali" and "Ashani Sanket" (1973) were criticised for "exporting poverty" and "distorting India's image abroad". His "Apu Trilogy" (1955–1959) appeared in "Time" All-Time 100 Movies in 2005. Aside from directing, Ray composed music and wrote screenplays for films, both his own and those by other directors. Often credited as a fiction writer, illustrator, and calligrapher; Ray authored several short stories and novels in