An Astrologer’s Day by R K Narayan

 Hello Everyone, Welcome to my Blog This Blog about Movie Screening Reflection assigned by Megha Ma'am, 

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In this blog, I explore the short story An Astrologer’s Day by R.K. Narayan and its Hindi short film adaptation. This reflection is based on reading the original story and watching the film as part of the movie screening task. 

                        (Hindi Short film)

Pre-Viewing Reflections

Before watching the film, the literary structure of Narayan’s short story revealed a careful blend of character-driven tension and ironic twist. The setting—a bustling market under dim lighting near the Town Hall Park—served not only as a physical backdrop but also as a metaphor for the blurred lines between truth and illusion.

The plot revolves around a seemingly gifted astrologer who is, in reality, an escapee from a violent past. His chance encounter with Guru Nayak—the man he thought he had killed—builds suspense and leads to a twist ending.

The characters are finely sketched: the astrologer is deceptive yet vulnerable, Guru Nayak is vengeful yet unsuspecting, and the astrologer’s wife provides a grounding domestic perspective.

The story’s style is marked by subtle irony and third-person omniscient narration, while the theme focuses on guilt, fate, survival through deceit, and eventual psychological release.

While-Viewing Reflections

1. The Beginning

The film opens with a powerful and authentic recreation of the bustling South Indian marketplace, which serves as the central setting in R.K. Narayan’s short story. This opening sequence immerses the viewer in the world of the astrologer through a blend of ambient sounds—vendors calling out, footsteps shuffling over dusty streets, temple bells ringing faintly in the background. These sensory elements immediately evoke the crowded and chaotic atmosphere described in the original story.

The astrologer’s attire his saffron turban, sacred ash, and cowrie shells closely follows the original story. These details make his character culturally authentic and believable. His position, slightly apart from the busy market, reflects a sense of separation. This subtle placement suggests he is hiding a secret from his past.

2. Important Scenes

The Encounter with Guru Nayak

This scene is the emotional and narrative core of both the story and the film. The tension is palpable as the astrologer recognizes his past victim. The actor’s subtle expressions and the dim cheroot light convey fear and shock effectively. The dialogue is well-paced and closely mirrors the original story.

The Conversation with Wife

The domestic conversation at the end adds emotional depth. It shows the astrologer not only as a trickster but as a husband burdened with guilt. His confession that “a great load is gone from me today” is delivered with restrained emotion, capturing his internal relief.

The Market Scene

The dynamic crowd, food vendors, and faint lighting depict the chaotic vibrancy of the market as mentioned in the story. This setting plays a vital role in making the astrologer’s practice believable.

3. The End and the Climax

The film concludes with the astrologer walking home, finally at peace. The climax—where the astrologer tells Guru Nayak that his enemy is dead—is portrayed with careful suspense and dramatic control. This pivotal moment maintains the integrity of Narayan’s twist while providing visual satisfaction.

Post-Viewing Reflections

How faithful is the movie to the original short story?

The film is highly faithful to the original. Most scenes, especially dialogues between the astrologer and Guru Nayak, are taken directly from the text. The sequence of events and character dynamics remain intact, enhancing the story’s original impact without unnecessary deviation.

After watching the movie, have your perception about the short story, characters or situations changed?

Yes, viewing the story on screen added emotional resonance to the astrologer’s fear and relief. While reading, the tone felt more ironic, but the film introduced a more humane layer to the astrologer’s character. His vulnerability became more relatable and real.

Do you feel ‘aesthetic delight’ while watching the movie? If yes, exactly when did it happen? If no, explain with reasons.

Yes, aesthetic delight was felt during the climactic revelation. The subtle use of light, the close-up of the astrologer's eyes as he recognizes Guru Nayak, and the final moment of truth created a powerful cinematic experience. The visual storytelling heightened the emotional payoff.

Does screening of the movie help you in better understanding of the short story?

Absolutely. The film clarified spatial details of the marketplace and amplified the psychological dimensions of the astrologer’s fear. Seeing facial expressions and hearing the emotional tone of dialogue made the internal conflicts more immediate and impactful.

Was there any particular scene or moment in the story that you think was perfect?

The scene where the astrologer confidently tells Guru Nayak, “The man you seek is already dead,” was executed perfectly. It combined suspense, irony, and a strategic reversal of power. The performance, lighting, and pacing made it the highlight of the film.

If you are the director, what changes would you like to make in the remaking of the movie?

If given the opportunity to direct, I would add a brief flashback sequence showing the quarrel and stabbing in the astrologer’s youth. This visual context could deepen audience empathy and clarify the backstory. Additionally, more symbolic use of lighting—perhaps a sudden shift when he recognizes Guru Nayak—could further enhance the emotional stakes. 

Conclusion 

The cinematic adaptation of R.K. Narayan’s “An Astrologer’s Day” not only remained faithful to the original text but also enriched its psychological and aesthetic dimensions. Through this multi-modal engagement—reading, viewing, and reflecting—the layered meaning of the story became clearer. Such exercises deepen literary appreciation and demonstrate how classic narratives can be reimagined for modern audiences without losing their essence.

Reference 

"An Astrologer’s Day – Hindi Short Film." YouTube, uploaded by Antara Creation, 25 May 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkfrjYFQozA.