The Chess Players
Seen it?1977 | 129 min | Drama
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (91% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved The Man Who Would Be King, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 9 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in Hindi, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Made in 1977: an older pace and style.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
91% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Berlin award.
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 28K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Satyajit Ray
- 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