What makes a story truly unforgettable? Is it the plot, the characters, or the way it resonates with something deep within us? The Storyteller, starring the incomparable Paresh Rawal and Adil Hussain, dares to explore these questions while whisking us away on a spellbinding journey. Directed and co-written by Ananth Narayan Mahadevan, The Storyteller is an adaptation of Satyajit Ray’s short story Golpo Boliye Tarini Khuro. This film is not just about stories – it’s about art in its totality, its power to heal, to challenge, and to connect us to one another. But does this very story succeed in connecting us to itself? Read our review of The Storyteller to find out.

The Storyteller: The plot of the film

Tarini Bandhopadhyay (Rawal) is a retired storyteller who is firmly against capitalism and has switched 75 jobs in his lifetime. He’s a master in storytelling and is hired by a rich businessman Ratan (Hussain) to help him with his insomnia by narrating stories. His stories aren’t just tales – they’re life lessons hidden behind layers of allegory. But a turn of events reveals Ratan’s true intentions and their friendship is severed. What unfolds is a delicate exploration of trust, deception, and the art of storytelling.

Paresh Rawal is the star

Paresh Rawal is unsurprisingly the heart and soul of the film. His portrayal of the soft-spoken, slightly eccentric storyteller is so effortless that you forget you’re watching an actor at work. He brings warmth and gravitas to the role, making you wish you had someone like him in your life.

On the other hand, Adil Hussain’s portrayal of a rich businessman may be restrained but not weak. His character could have been easily overshadowed by Rawal’s craft but the depth that Hussain brings to Ratan’s character is equally worth-watching.

The Storyteller review: What works, what doesn’t

Apart from the performances, The Storyteller‘s power lies in its direction and writing. The writing is clever, and nuanced and perfectly balances humour with poignancy. Rawal’s clever dialogues make you laugh at times and, at other times, they hit you right in the feels.

We also have to applaud Ananth Narayan Mahadevan for his brilliant direction. Even though the story is simple, it’s quite profound and this shines through in well-shot scenes, silences, pauses, and an unhurried pace.

However, some things could have been better, especially the character of Tannishtha Chatterjee, and her friendship with Tarini could have been explored more. There are other subplots that, if explored, would have landed more nuance to the film.

Overall, The Storyteller is a film for cinema lovers to watch on a slow evening. It uses simplicity, charm, and the sheer power of its narrative to leave a lasting impression. And the ending will also pleasantly surprise you.

The Storyteller is now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.

Can you watch it with your family?: Yes, you can. In fact, I’d suggest you do. It’ll be a good opportunity to spend meaningful time with your family.

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