The kingdom of Oudh has a gently decadent Nawab (king), who is busy being a poet, composer, singer, dancer, and choreographer, but not a ruler. Mirza and Mir are old friends, living in the capital city off ancestral wealth and taxes on their lands. As the king is obsessed with his artistic endeavors, the friends are obsessed with shatranj (chess). In 1856, the East India Company sends General Outram, the British Resident of Lucknow, to take over the kingdom, under the charge of misrule. The king dithers, the friends play chess. British troops march into the city; the king surrenders without a fight, and the friends remove to a distant village so they can play in peace.

Urdu collection. Based on the story by [Munshi] Premchand. Originally produced as an Indian motion picture in 1977. Special features: Satyajit Ray: selected filmography [text feature]; Original British poster art; Production note [DVD version].

Leisure -- Treaty -- King's poem -- Rumors -- Neglected wife -- New treaty -- Missing pieces -- King -- Idle lords -- Check -- Checkmate -- Trouble at Meer's -- Mother -- Picnic -- Crown -- No blood -- British -- Day wasted.