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Lovely piece!

The addictive element of chess reminds me of Satyajit Ray's movie "Shatranj Ke Khiladi" (The Chess Players). The movie is set in the 19th century at the onset of British colonization of the Indian heartland. It is about two noblemen of the Indian province of Awadh who are addicted to chess to such an extent that they have become oblivious to the dramatic changes happening in their households, the province, and the region in general. There's also a decadent dance-obsessed Nawab (provincial ruler). All three elite aristocrats are consumed in their hobbies and addictions while the British are maneuvering to subjugate their province.



A brilliant film, on so many levels. A tip of the hat to writer Munshi Premchand, who wrote the short story which formed the basis of Ray's film.


That's a great summary. Wonderful movie at so many levels. History, nawab culture, decadence, cultural distance...




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