Experience a unique evening as you step into India. Watch the screening of the 1960 film, “Devi” by legendary director, Satyajit Ray.

The film is in Hindi with English subtitles.

ABOUT “THE CHESS PLAYERS”:

Set in 1856 during the British annexation of Avadh, best friends Mirza Ali and Mir Ali ignore the situation of the country and abandon their families in their obsession for the game of chess.

Satyajit Ray’s first film in Hindi offers political comments on Anglo-Indian relations, utilising the pawns and queens of the chess board as strong metaphors for the colonial situation.

The film employed stars of Bombay cinema (Amjad Khan, Shabana Azmi and Amitabh Bachchan as a narrator) together with British actors (such as Richard Attenborough).

It was hailed as an understated masterpiece and was India’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 51st Academy Awards.

VENUE DETAILS:

The film screening is at the charmingly eccentric India Club lounge. The India Club has remained much the same since its opening over 50 years ago.

Hidden up a flight of stairs, enter a timewarp with portraits of the Independence era on the walls, bottle-green leather chairs, red lino flooring and laminate tabletops. It is a British curry house of the first generation.

Described as “the London of black-and-white movies…India Club is part of London’s restaurant history.” – Bloomberg

EVENT PROGRAMME:

• Doors open at 6.45pm.
• Small Indian snacks will be served between 6.45-7pm. There is also a chance to purchase full meals and refreshments from the bar.
• Film starts at 7pm.
• Screening ends at approximately 9pm.

You are welcome to stay and enjoy our atmospheric venue and get to know the other people who come to our events!

Tickets are limited and sell fast, so book soon to secure your place!

India Club Lounge Bar – drinks can be purchased before the film.

The historic India Club Restaurant where lunch is served: