The Chess Players

Synopsis

The Chess Players (शतरंज के खिलाड़ी) is a 1977 Indian movie directed by Satyajit Ray, which revolves around the lives of two noblemen in 1856 colonial India who are deeply engrossed in playing chess while the world around them is on the brink of change. Through their obsession with the game, the movie explores the contrasts between their ivory tower existence and the political upheaval happening in the country. The narrative beautifully weaves together the personal stories of the characters with the larger historical context, offering a poignant commentary on power, privilege, and the consequences of indifference.

Cast

• 

  Sanjeev Kumar

  Mirza Sajjad Ali

• 

  Saeed Jaffrey

  Mir Roshan Ali

• 

  Amjad Khan

  Wajid Ali Shah

• 

  Shabana Azmi

  Khurshid

• 

  Farida Jalal

  Nafisa

• 

  Veena

  Queen Mother

Reviews

The Chess Players is an exquisitely crafted masterpiece that delves deep into the complexities of human nature and the societal issues prevalent during colonial India. Critics have praised the film for its rich narrative, nuanced character development, and arresting cinematography. Variety described the movie as 'a visually stunning piece of cinema that captures the essence of an era in a profoundly engaging manner'. Roger Ebert hailed it as 'a brilliant portrayal of the interplay between power and intellect.' IMDb rating of 7.5/10 reflects the audience's appreciation for the film's storytelling and execution. Rotten Tomatoes gave it an impressive 91% rating, signifying widespread critical acclaim.