The Chess Players
1977, Hindi. Directed by Satyajit Ray.
Satyajit Ray's First Hindi feature Film
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.
- Runtime
- 2h 9m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- Hindi
- Rated
- U
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Worth the Hype
Clear your evening for this.
7.1/10 from 59 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch The Chess Players
The Chess Players is streaming on Amazon Prime Video in India.
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Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 2 October 1977
- Original title
- शतरंज के खिलाड़ी
- Country
- India
- Written by
- Satyajit Ray, Munshi Premchand
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News & fan talk
What The Chess Players is based on
The Chess Players is based on Shatranj ke khiladi, a 1924 short story by Premchand.
Short story · 1924
Shatranj ke khiladi
By Premchand
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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The Chess Players: quick answers
Is The Chess Players worth watching?
Our verdict is Worth the Hype: Clear your evening for this. It scores 7.1/10 from 59 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is The Chess Players?
The Chess Players runs 129 minutes (2h 9m).
Does The Chess Players have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Chess Players. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Chess Players parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Chess Players is rated U in India. That rating means it is generally fine for children.
Which OTT platform is The Chess Players on?
The Chess Players is streaming on Amazon Prime Video in India. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Chess Players?
If you liked The Chess Players, try Mangal Pandey - The Rising, Mountains of the Moon, America America.
Who directed The Chess Players?
The Chess Players (1977) was directed by Satyajit Ray and stars Sanjeev Kumar, Saeed Jaffrey, Amjad Khan.
What is The Chess Players based on?
The Chess Players is based on Shatranj ke khiladi, a 1924 short story by Premchand.