An Astrologer's Day by R.K.Narayan
Welcome to this blog where we'll explore one fascinating story: "An Astrologer's Day" We'll compare how these story show us human behavior, morality, and society's impact on our lives. Let's dive in and discover what these tales can teach us about ourselves and the world around us.
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R.K. Narayan, originally named Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami, is a monumental figure in Indian literature, particularly noted for his novels set in the fictional town of Malgudi, which draws inspiration from South India's landscapes and ambiance. Alongside literary greats like Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao, Narayan is celebrated for pioneering Indian English literature and bringing its rich stories to a global audience. His literary career began with "Swami and Friends" in 1935, a novel that introduced his distinctive storytelling style. A significant influence on Narayan's early career was the acclaimed writer Graham Greene, who played a pivotal role in getting Narayan's first four books published. Among these, the semi-autobiographical trilogy of "Swami and Friends," "The Bachelor of Arts," and "The English Teacher" vividly depicts the joys and struggles of ordinary Indian life.
Here some Questions and answers based on this comparison of short story & short film :
1. How faithful is the movie to the original short story?
Answer : The short film faithfully follows the original story, as mentioned at the start of the video, which identifies it as an adaptation of Narayan’s work. Nonetheless, it also introduces a few modifications.
2. After watching the movie, has your perception about the short story, characters or situations changed?
Answer : The story had already been read in class, and its vivid language made it easy to imagine. Therefore, the perception of the story did not change significantly. Since the characters were already familiar, the short film simply enhanced the experience by using visuals, music, and atmosphere to bring the story to life.
3.Do you feel ‘aesthetic delight’ while watching the movie? If yes, exactly when did it happen? If not, can you explain with reasons?
Answer : Yes, I did experience a sense of aesthetic pleasure while watching the film. This feeling becomes especially strong toward the end of the story, when the astrologer finally confesses a long-hidden truth to his wife. At first, the audience is intrigued by the astrologer’s surprising knowledge about Guru Nayak and his past, creating a sense of suspense and wonder. But the real twist comes later: years ago, during a heated argument, the astrologer had stabbed Guru Nayak in a moment of anger. This unexpected revelation not only shocks the audience but also adds emotional depth to the characters and their shared history. The story achieves a deep sense of aesthetic fulfillment through this moment, as it explores the lasting impact of past actions and the complexity of human relationships.
4. Does screening of movie help you in better understanding of the short story?
Answer : Yes, it helped in gaining a clearer understanding of the astrologer's past. The use of black-and-white frames effectively portrayed the flashback, especially highlighting the conflict between Guru Nayak and the main character through thoughtful camera work.
5. Was there any particular scene or moment in the story that you think was perfect?
Answer : The revelation scene is executed brilliantly, unveiling the astrologer's real identity, along with the touching moment when his wife remarks that sweets will be prepared at home after a long time. The story also sheds light on the hardships faced by the poor, who are often forced to adopt such professions to survive.
6. If you are the director, what changes would you like to make in the remaking of the movie based on the short story “An Astrologer’s Day” by R.K.Narayan ?
Answer : If I were the director, I would make some creative changes to give the story a modern touch. To start with, I would place the astrologer in a contemporary setting—working in an office instead of sitting under a tree—presenting his profession as a modern-day business.
I would also update the characters’ clothing: the astrologer would wear formal attire, and his clients would be dressed in current fashion trends. However, despite their modern appearance, their beliefs and mindset would still reflect traditional thinking. Guru Nayak would be portrayed as a wealthy businessman driven by a desire for revenge. A major twist would be reimagining the astrologer as a hacker who uses social media and digital tools to track down and identify Guru Nayak, giving the story a fresh, technological angle.
References :
Narayan, R. K. Malgudi Days. Penguin, 1984.
Pocket Films. “An Astrologer’s Day - Hindi Short Film.” YouTube, 17 June 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkfrjYFQozA.
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