“Ray’s film is an incisive dissection of culture shock and class privilege.”
Screening in tribute to Saeed Jaffrey.
Wazed Ali Shah is the ruler of one of the last independent kingdoms of India. The British, intent on controlling this rich country, have sent General Outram (Richard Attenborough) 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 (Saeed Jaffrey) and Mirza (Sanjeev Kumar), who, ignoring the situation of their country and all their duties towards their families, spend their days playing endless parties of chess.
