R.K.Narayan and his short stories

Hello everyone,

When we think of R.K. Narayan, the delightful fictional town of Malgudi often springs to mind. This quaint setting, brought to life in collections like "Malgudi Days" and stories such as "Swami and Friends," showcases Narayan's storytelling genius. However, his creative brilliance isn't confined to these popular works. This blog invites you to explore some lesser-known tales set in Malgudi. We'll take a closer look at two captivating short stories: "An Astrologer's Day" and "Crime and Punishment." These narratives reveal unexpected twists and thought-provoking moral questions, all unfolding in the vibrant world of Malgudi. Join us on this journey to uncover a different side of Narayan’s writing, where his talent for creating compelling stories shines through in fresh and surprising ways.

About the Writer: R.K. Narayan

R.K. Narayan is a key figure in Indian literature, best known for creating the enchanting fictional town of Malgudi. This South Indian town serves as the setting for many of his stories, bringing to life the culture and spirit of the region. Narayan, along with writers like Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao, was a trailblazer in early Indian English writing. His first novel, "Swami and Friends," published in 1935, marked the beginning of his literary journey and helped put Indian English literature on the map.

Narayan's path to success was supported by the renowned writer Graham Greene, who mentored him and helped publish his first four books. This support included the delightful and semi-autobiographical trilogy comprising "Swami and Friends," "The Bachelor of Arts," and "The English Teacher."

Beyond these early works, Narayan continued to captivate readers with novels like "The Financial Expert" and "The Guide." "The Guide" not only received the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award but was also turned into a popular Hindi film. Narayan's unique ability to create a vivid and believable fictional world sets him apart. Much like William Faulkner's literary universe, Narayan's Malgudi is full of humor and the charm of everyday life, making it a beloved setting for readers around the world. 

AN ASTROLOGER'S DAY

Q-1) How faithful is the movie to the original short story?

The film adaptation we watched certainly captured the essence of the story, but like many adaptations, it likely took some creative liberties to make it more engaging. One notable difference might be in the level of detail. While stories can use rich descriptions, films rely heavily on visuals. The director might have simplified the astrologer's appearance and belongings to keep the focus on the plot, allowing viewers to imagine the finer details.

Another difference could be in the portrayal of the family. In the story, the wife might not be named and remains a background character, whereas the film might have given her a name, such as "Usha," and expanded her role. Similarly, the story might not have specified the child's gender or name, but the film's decision to show a daughter adds another layer to the family dynamic, potentially affecting how viewers perceive the story. By examining these differences, we can better understand the creativity and challenges involved in adapting literature into short films.

Q-2) After watching the movie, have your perception about the short story, characters or situations changed?

The story was already read in the classroom, and the rich language of the work allowed for vivid imagination. Because of this, there hasn't been a significant change in how we perceive the characters. With the characters already well understood, the short film added a clear visual element and enhanced the impact of the story through the use of camera work, music, and atmosphere.

Q-3) Do you feel ‘aesthetic delight’ while watching the movie? If yes, exactly when did it happen? If no, can you explain with reasons?

Yes, I feel that the story beautifully exemplifies aesthetic delight. Our curiosity is sparked by the astrologer's mysterious knowledge of Guru Nayak's past, which builds suspense as we search for answers. The revelation provides a satisfying moment of clarity, as the puzzle pieces fall into place. This transition from confusion to understanding, combined with the emotional depth of the secret past, brings a sense of aesthetic pleasure. It's the joy of seeing the story unfold meaningfully, leaving a lasting impact.

Q-4) Does screening of movie help you in better understanding of the short story?

While this short story's straightforward approach makes it easy to understand on the first read, film adaptations can provide a fresh perspective. By bringing the characters and setting to life visually, films can add another layer of depth. This can enrich our understanding of the story and its emotional core, even for works we thought were already clear.

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

The exchange between Guru Nayak and the astrologer is a great example of how dialogue can enhance a story. It's not just a conversation; it's a snapshot of the entire narrative. This tense interaction perfectly captures the story's central themes: do our stars determine our fate, or can we create our own path? Can we ever escape the consequences of our past actions? This intense dialogue pushes both the characters and the audience to confront these deep questions. It's the moment where suspense peaks. The film's faithful depiction of this crucial scene likely heightens the story's impact, pulling viewers even deeper into the heart of the conflict.

Q-6) If you are 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?

As the director, I would be intrigued by the idea of exploring an alternative ending that introduces more action. Imagine Guru Nayak, suddenly recognizing the astrologer as his long-lost enemy. This realization could spark a desire for revenge, taking the story in a completely new direction focused on vengeance and retribution. This twist would change the genre, turning the introspective character study into an exciting tale of settling old scores.

Crime and Punishment

Examining the roles of teacher and student in R.K. Narayan's "Crime and Punishment"

The roles of teacher and student are always complex and can vary based on their ages. After parents, teachers play a crucial role as mentors. They help shape the development of individuals. When children first step out of the safety of their homes, they encounter a world full of new experiences, people, and surroundings. This world can be a wonderful place if a good teacher enters their lives.

A skilled teacher can nurture creativity, art, and critical thinking, enriching students' understanding of the world. A great mentor has the power to dramatically change a student's life. In R.K. Narayan's short story, for example, the teacher plays a vital role in protecting the student from the anger of the parents.

Some movies based on this theme:- 

1)"Hichki" (2018):

Directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra, this film features Rani Mukerji as a teacher with Tourette syndrome who faces the challenge of teaching a class of underprivileged students. The movie showcases her efforts to gain their respect and support them in reaching their potential. It also sheds light on the students' backgrounds and the influence of their parents on their education. 

2)"Super 30" (2019):

Directed by Vikas Bahl, this film is based on the true story of mathematician Anand Kumar, who coaches underprivileged students to prepare for the IIT entrance exams. It emphasizes the transformative power of education and the dedication of a teacher who goes beyond conventional means to support his students. It also portrays the role of parents who, despite their hardships, encourage their children's aspirations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this blog delved into R.K. Narayan's lesser-known short story "An Astrologer's Day" by looking at its film adaptation. We explored how adaptations can bring new insights while maintaining the story's core themes. We examined the intriguing moment when the astrologer recognizes Guru Nayak, the satisfying resolution of the story, and how the film captures a key scene. Additionally, we considered an alternative ending involving a revenge plot.

The blog also shifted focus to analyze the themes in "Crime and Punishment," particularly the roles of parents and teachers in shaping a child's behavior. We discussed the challenges faced by both parents and teachers and suggested further exploration through the films "Hichki" and "Super 30."

Thank you...