An Astrologer's Day by R.K.Narayan

This blog task given by Megha ma'am Trivedi. An Astrologer's Day by R.K.Narayan

An Astrologer’s Day by R.K. Narayan – A Brief Overview

R.K. Narayan, a pioneer of Indian English fiction, is known for setting his stories in the fictional town of Malgudi—much like Faulkner’s Yoknapatawpha or Hardy’s Wessex. His writing often critiques societal norms, particularly superstition and blind belief, using subtle irony and realism.

In An Astrologer’s Day Narayan tells the story of a man who, haunted by a violent past, reinvents himself as an astrologer—not out of faith or knowledge, but as a means of survival. He earns his living not through true astrology, but through clever tricks and sharp observation.

Themes of guilt, irony, and illusion vs. realityrun through the narrative. Ironically, the astrologer finds closure not through fate or divine insight, but by sheer coincidence—despite claiming to predict destinies, he cannot foresee his own. The story gently mocks the social tendency to accept mysticism without question, revealing the fine line between appearance and truth.

1. Fidelity of the Film to the Original Short Story ?

The film remains largely faithful to R.K. Narayan’s original narrative. It preserves the central plot, characters, and themes, while translating key moments into visual form. Although minor cinematic adjustments are made to suit the medium—such as added dialogue or atmospheric elements—the film retains the essence and moral ambiguity of the story, effectively capturing its tone and structure.

2. After watching the movie, has your perception about the short story, characters or situations changed?

Watching the film did not alter my understanding of the story but deepened my engagement with it. The visual medium enriched the emotional and psychological dimensions of the characters, particularly through facial expressions, lighting, and sound design. These cinematic elements added nuance to the tension and irony already present in the text, making the situations more immediate and the characters more relatable.

3. Do you feel ‘aesthetic delight’ while watching the movie? If yes, exactly when did it happen? If not, can you explain with reasons?

Yes, the film evokes aesthetic delight, particularly at the moment of revelation when the astrologer realizes his client is the very man he once believed he had killed. This turning point, where past and present intersect, creates a sense of poetic justice and emotional resolution. The careful buildup, coupled with effective pacing and atmosphere, enhances the impact of this scene. According to classical aesthetic theory, such a moment generates rasa—aesthetic emotion—making it artistically fulfilling.

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

Yes, the film screening enhances the understanding of the short story by adding visual and auditory layers to the narrative. Elements such as lighting, camera angles, and the use of black-and-white sequences effectively differentiate past from present and highlight the protagonist’s inner conflict. These cinematic techniques offer deeper insight into the emotional and psychological dimensions of the characters, making implicit themes more accessible and impactful.

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

The most compelling moment occurs when the astrologer realizes he has unknowingly encountered his former victim. This revelation brings a sense of unexpected closure and personal relief. The subsequent domestic exchange with his wife—her mention of making sweets—introduces a quiet, emotional contrast that emphasizes the return to normalcy. This scene effectively encapsulates the story’s central themes of guilt, redemption, and the restoration of everyday peace.

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?

If directing a modern adaptation of An Astrologer’s Day, I would situate the narrative in an urban setting where astrology is commercialized and digitally accessible. The astrologer would operate from a small office, using online platforms and technology to attract clients, blending traditional beliefs with contemporary tools. Guru Nayak could be portrayed as a corporate professional, adding relevance to modern audiences. The revelation scene could involve digital traces rather than pure coincidence, emphasizing how age-old superstitions persist even in technologically advanced societies. This reinterpretation would preserve the story’s core themes while contextualizing them for the present day.

  

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