The Chess Players (1977)
It is the year 1856. Nawab Wajid Ali Shah is the king of Awadh, one of the last independent kingdoms of India. The British colonialists, intent on controlling this rich land, have sent general Outram on a secret mission to clear the way for an annexation. Pressure is mounting amidst intrigue and political manoeuvres, but the Nawab whiles away his time in pursuit of pleasure and religious practice. The court is of no help either—Court nobles Mir and Mirza, ignoring the situation of their country and all their duties towards their families, spend their days playing endless games of chess. The film is based on Munshi Premchand's short story of the same name.
Watch Trailer
Cast
Similar titles
Reviews
I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.
Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.
Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.
The story-telling is good with flashbacks.The film is both funny and heartbreaking. You smile in a scene and get a soulcrushing revelation in the next.