The Storyteller Movie Review: Paresh Rawal & Adil Hussain Shine in Ray’s Adaptation

The Storyteller (2025) is a Hindi-language drama directed by Ananth Mahadevan, based on Satyajit Ray’s short story “Golpo Boliye Tarini Khuro.” The film stars Paresh Rawal and Adil Hussain in lead roles, exploring the intricate relationship between a storyteller and a businessman. Released on January 28, 2025, on Disney+ Hotstar, the movie offers a contemplative narrative that delves into themes of creativity, exploitation, and the transformative power of storytelling.

Cast and Crew of The Storyteller

Director: Ananth Mahadevan
Writer: Kireet Khurana
Producers: Jyoti Deshpande, Suchhanda Chatterjee, Salil Chaturvedi, Shubha Shetty
Cinematography: Alphonse Roy
Editing: Gourav Gopal Jha
Music: Hriju Roy
Production Companies: Jio Studios, Purpose Entertainment, Quest Films
Distributor: Disney+ Hotstar
Language: Hindi
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 116 minutes
Release Date: January 28, 2025

Main Cast:

• Paresh Rawal as Tarini Bandyopadhyay
• Adil Hussain as Ratan Garodia
• Revathi as Ratan’s love interest
• Tannishtha Chatterjee as Suzie Fibert
• Jayesh More as Manik
• Anindita Bose as Tarini’s late wife

The Storyteller Movie Review: Plot Overview

The film follows Tarini Bandyopadhyay, a 60-something Bengali man with a passion for storytelling, who has held 73 different jobs. He accepts a position in Ahmedabad as a personal storyteller for Ratan Garodia, a wealthy Gujarati businessman suffering from insomnia. Tarini’s nightly tales aim to lull Ratan to sleep, leading to a unique bond between the two. However, when Ratan publishes Tarini’s stories under a pseudonym, tensions arise, culminating in a revelation that challenges their relationship and underscores the value of originality and integrity in storytelling.

Performances and Direction

Paresh Rawal delivers a nuanced performance as Tarini, capturing the character’s eccentricities and depth. Adil Hussain portrays Ratan with subtlety, effectively conveying the complexities of a man torn between ambition and authenticity. Director Ananth Mahadevan maintains a deliberate pace, allowing the narrative to unfold organically, which may test some viewers’ patience but ultimately rewards with a rich, character-driven story.

Technical Aspects and Music

Cinematographer Alphonse Roy captures the contrasting settings of Kolkata and Ahmedabad with finesse, enhancing the film’s visual appeal. Editor Gourav Gopal Jha ensures a seamless narrative flow, while Hriju Roy’s music complements the film’s contemplative tone, adding emotional depth to key moments.

The Storyteller Movie Review: Final Verdict

The Storyteller is a thoughtful adaptation that pays homage to Satyajit Ray’s original work. With compelling performances and a narrative that explores the nuances of creativity and integrity, the film stands out as a poignant reflection on the art of storytelling.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

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