Shatranj Ke Khilari

"Satyajit Ray's First Hindi feature Film"

Oct 3 1977 Not Rated 2h 9m
Comedy, Drama, History

In the year 1856, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah is the King of Awadh, one of the last independent kingdoms of India. The British intend to control this rich land and send General Outram to clear way for an annexation. Pressure is mounting amidst intrigue and political maneuvers, but the Nawab whiles away his time in pursuit of pleasure and religious practice. The court is of no help either — noblemen Mir and Mirza ignore all duties and spend their days playing endless games of chess. Based on Munshi Premchand's short story of the same name. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with The Film Foundation in 2010.

Plot

Wazed Ali Shah was the ruler of one of the last independent kingdoms of India. The British, intent on controlling this rich country, had sent General Outram on a secret mission to clear the way for an annexation. While pressure was mounting amidst intrigue and political maneuvers, Ali Shah composes poems and listens to music, secluded in his palace. The court was of no help, as exemplified by nobles Mir and Mirza, who, ignoring the situation of their country and all of their duties towards their families, spend their days playing endless parties of chess.

Written by

Munshi Premchand, Satyajit Ray, Shama Zaidi

Directed by

Satyajit Ray

Cast

Sanjeev Kumar, Saeed Jaffrey, Shabana Azmi

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

India

Production Companies

Devki Chitra

Languages

Awards

4 wins & 3 nominations

Scores
# of Votes
4,228
Average Rating
7.5 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA