The Chess Players

The Chess Players 1977

7.10

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.

1977

Katha

Katha 1982

5.20

A modern retelling of the classic folktale about the hare and the tortoise. Rajaram P. Joshi is a middle-class Clerk living in a chawl in Bombay. He is secretly in love with his neighbor, Sandhya Karnik but is unable to disclose his love for her. Rajaram's fast-tallking friend, Bashudev comes for a visit and makes himself at home. Bashudev starts wooing Sandhya and soon her parents decide to marry Sandhya and Bashudev, much to misery of Rajaram. But on the day of the engagement, Bashudev disappears, leaving behind a devastated, and pregnant Sandhya. Will Rajaram accept Sandhya?

1982

Rajnigandha

Rajnigandha 1974

5.20

A Delhi-based woman in a steady relationship with her boyfriend is forced to come to terms with her true feelings when a job interview in Mumbai brings an old flame back in her life.

1974