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. Based on Munshi Premchand's short story of the same name. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with The Film Foundation in 2010.
as Mirza Sajjad Ali
as Mir Roshan Ali
as Wajid Ali Shah
as Khurshid
as Nafisa
as Queen Mother
as Munshi
as Prime Minister
as Aqueel
as Capt. Weston
as Hirya
as General Outram
as Kallu
as Abbajani
as Dancer (uncredited)
as Narrator (voice)