The Chess Players (1977)

In the twilight of India's independence, Wazed Ali Shah, the ruler of one of the last sovereign kingdoms, finds himself ensnared in the grand strategy of the British Empire. With the relentless General Outram spearheading a clandestine mission to annex his rich realm, Shah chooses seclusion in his palace, surrendering to the sweet embrace of poetry and music, oblivious to the political maelstrom outside his walls. Parallel to Shah's apathy, two eccentric noblemen, Mir and Mirza, remain engrossed in their own game of chess. Oblivious to the changing tides of their nation and the ensuing British threat, they abandon their responsibilities towards their families and homeland, immersing themselves in an endless parade of chess parties. Their obsession transcends the confines of their luxurious homes, pushing them into the mosquito-infested wilderness, where they continue their relentless games, armed with loaded pistols. As the once vibrant kingdom teeters on the brink of colonization, Mir and Mirza, much like their oblivious ruler, stand as symbols of defiant ignorance, willing to challenge the British, each other, or even their own sanity, all in the name of a game. The Chess Players is a poignant narrative of forgotten duties and neglected realities, veiled in the intricate dance of chess, a metaphor for the larger game at play - the game of power and control.

The Chess Players is a drama movie featuring Sanjeev Kumar.

The Chess Players is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV.