The read
Critics rate it 16 points higher than audiences do.
Synopsis
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.
Ratings
IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes91%
Critics rate it 16 points higher than audiences do.
58 audience votes
Key crew
- Satyajit RayDirector
- Satyajit RayScreenplay
- Munshi PremchandWriter
- Satyajit RayOriginal Music Composer
Cast
- Sanjeev KumarMirza Sajjad Ali
- Saeed JaffreyMir Roshan Ali
- Amjad KhanWajid Ali Shah
- Shabana AzmiKhurshid
- Farida JalalNafisa
- VeenaQueen Mother
- David Abraham CheulkarMunshi
- Victor BanerjeePrime Minister
- Farooq ShaikhAqueel
- Tom AlterCapt. Weston
- Leela MishraHirya
- Barry JohnCast
Stills
Themes
chessbased on short storycolonial india19th century