The Chess Players

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.

• Satyajit RayDirector
• Satyajit RayScreenplay
• Munshi PremchandWriter
• Satyajit RayOriginal Music Composer

• 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