Shatranj Ke Khilari (1977)

 ●  Hindi ● 2 hrs 9 mins

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Set in the year 1856, this exquisitely crafted period drama brings to life the complex sequence of events that culminated in the British annexation of the Indian kingdom of Awadh. Wazed Ali Shah is the ruler of Awadh, which happens to be of one of the last independent kingdoms of India. The British, intent on controlling this rich country, have sent general Outram on a secret mission to clear the way for an annexation. While pressure is mounting amidst intrigue and political manoeuvres, Ali Shah composes poems and listens to music, secluded in his palace. The court is of no help, as exemplified by nobles Mir and Mirza, who, ignoring the situation of their country and all their duties towards their families, spend their days playing endless parties of chess.
See Storyline (May Contain Spoilers)

Cast: Saeed Jaffrey, Sanjeev Kumar, Shabana Azmi

Crew: Satyajit Ray (Director), Soumendu Roy (Director of Photography), Satyajit Ray (Music Director)

Genres: Comedy, Drama, History

Release Dates: 10 Mar 1977 (India)

Hindi Name: शतरंज के खिलाड़ी

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Did you know? The film is based on Munshi Premchand's short story of the same name. Read More
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as Mir Roshan Ali
as Mirza Sajjad Ali
as Khurshid, Mirza's wife
as Narrator
Supporting Actress
as Aqueel
as Hirya, Khurshid's maid
as General Outram
as Capt. Weston
as Prime Minister

Direction

Director

Production

Producer

Writers

Screenplay Writer
Dialogue Writer

Camera and Electrical

Director of Photography

Music

Music Director

Art

Art Director

Choreography

Choreographer

Editorial

Editor
Film Type:
Feature
Language:
Hindi
Spoken Languages:
English, Urdu
Colour Info:
Color
Sound Mix:
Mono
Frame Rate:
24 fps
Aspect Ratio:
2.35:1
Stereoscopy:
No
Tracklist
05:30

Music Director: Satyajit Ray
Playback Singer: R Raghavendra
07:56

Music Director: Satyajit Ray
Playback Singer: R Raghavendra
05:46

Music Director: Satyajit Ray
Playback Singer: Birju Maharaj
02:21

Music Director: Satyajit Ray
Playback Singer: Amjad Khan
Movie Connection(s):
Featured in: Celluloid Man (English)
Trivia:
Amitabh Bachchan narrated the movie with his iconic voice.

This is the first and only Hindi movie done by Satyajit Ray.

This is the first Indian movie to feature Sir Richard Attenborough.

The film is based on Munshi Premchand's short story of the same name.