The Chess Players (1977)
Original title: शतरंज के खिलाड़ी
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Satyajit Ray's First Hindi feature Film
It is the year 1856. Nawab Wajid Ali Shah is the king of Awadh, one of the last independent kingdoms of India. The British colonialists, intent on controlling this rich land, have sent general Outram on a secret mission to clear the way for an annexation. Pressure is mounting amidst intrigue and political manoeuvres, but the Nawab whiles away his time in pursuit of pleasure and religious practice. The court is of no help either—Court nobles Mir and Mirza, ignoring the situation of their country and all their duties towards their families, spend their days playing endless games of chess. The film is based on Munshi Premchand's short story of the same name.
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Sanjeev KumarMirza Sajjad Ali
Saeed JaffreyMir Roshan Ali
Shabana AzmiKhurshid
Farida JalalNafisa
VeenaQueen Mother
David Abraham CheulkarMunshi
Victor BanerjeePrime Minister
Farooq ShaikhAqueel
Tom AlterCapt. Weston
Leela MishraHirya
Barry JohnSamarth NarainKalluKeywords
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Viewing momentFrequently asked questions about The Chess Players
What is The Chess Players about?
It is the year 1856. Nawab Wajid Ali Shah is the king of Awadh, one of the last independent kingdoms of India. The British colonialists, intent on controlling this rich land, have sent general Outram on a secret mission to clear the way for an annexation. Pressure is mounting amidst intrigue and political manoeuvres, but the Nawab whiles away his time in pursuit of pleasure and religious practice. The court is of no help either—Court nobles Mir and Mirza, ignoring the situation of their country and all their duties towards their families, spend their days playing endless games of chess. The film is based on Munshi Premchand's short story of the same name.
How long is The Chess Players?
The Chess Players has a runtime of 129 minutes.
Where can I watch The Chess Players?
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