‘The Storyteller,’ directed by Ananth Mahadevan, is a cinematic adaptation of Satyajit Ray’s short story ‘Golpo Boliye Tarini Khuro.’ The film stars Paresh Rawal as Tarini Bandyopadhyay, a seasoned storyteller, and Adil Hussain as Ratan Garodia, a wealthy businessman. The narrative delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, and personal growth, highlighting the profound impact of storytelling. The film also stars Jayesh More, Rohit Mukherjee, Anindita Bose, and others.
Plot Overview: The film follows Tarini Bandyopadhyay, a masterful storyteller renowned for his captivating tales. Ratan Garodia, a prosperous businessman, becomes intrigued by Tarini’s narratives and seeks to engage him in a business venture. As their relationship evolves, the story explores the complexities of their bond, touching upon themes of trust, deception, and the transformative power of stories.
Cast and Crew
- Director: Ananth Mahadevan
- Story: Satyajit Ray
- Screenplay, dialogue: Kireet Khurana
- Additional screenplay, dialogue: Ananth Mahadevn, Srijato
- Music: Hriju Roy
- Cinematography: Alphonse Roy
- Editing: Gourav Gopal Jha
- Lead Actors:
- Paresh Rawal as Tarini Bandyopadhyay
- Adil Hussain as Ratan Garodia
- Revathi as Saraswati
- Tannishtha Chatterjee in a supporting role
Critical reception: Critics have lauded the movie for its compelling narrative and stellar performances. The Times of India notes that the film ‘brims with wit, the charming yet somnolent vibes of Kolkata and Ahmedabad, and strong performances.’
NDTV describes it as ‘an unflashy, witty tribute to Satyajit Ray,’ highlighting the strong performances of Rawal and Hussain.
Audience response: Viewers have expressed appreciation for the film’s faithful adaptation of Ray’s work and the nuanced performances of the cast. Many have highlighted the film’s ability to evoke nostalgia while presenting a fresh perspective on the original story.
Where to Watch: ‘The Storyteller’ is available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
