Ananth Mahadevan's The Storyteller: A Mesmerizing Exploration of Storytelling and Relationships

Ananth Mahadevan’s latest directorial venture, The Storyteller, brings together two stellar performers, Paresh Rawal and Adil Hussain, in a film that delves deeply into the unique bond between their characters, enriched by the art of storytelling. Premiering at the Busan International Film Festival in 2022, the film has finally found its way to audiences, three years later, through Zee5. The wait, as it turns out, was well worth it.

Based on Satyajit Ray’s short story Golpo Boliye Tarini Khuro, the film is an engrossing tale of a man and his passion for stories. At its core is Tarini, played by Paresh Rawal, a man content with staying in India rather than pursuing a settled life abroad with his son. With an impressive streak of 10 different jobs in a year, Tarini’s true passion lies in storytelling. When a newspaper ad for a personal storyteller catches his eye, he sets off to Ahmedabad to work for businessman Ratan Garodia, played by Adil Hussain. Ratan, plagued by sleeplessness, hires Tarini for bedtime stories. What ensues is an intricate blend of Bengali and Gujarati cultures, a secret that unravels, and a deep dive into human connections.

“The leisurely pace, letting us see even how Tarini chooses his fish, is therapeutic- so is a brief shot of fish being prepared. Mahadevan, as a director, doesn’t waste his frames,” the narrative highlights. The decision to shoot in Kolkata rather than relying on green screens enhances the authenticity of the film. Cinematographer Alphonse Roy captures the old-world charm of the city, adding to the film’s immersive experience.

Paresh Rawal shines in his portrayal of a Bengali man, embodying the nuances of the role without exaggeration, while Adil Hussain complements him with a restrained yet impactful performance. Their chemistry on-screen is captivating, with the contrast between a businessman spinning cotton and a storyteller weaving tales adding depth to the narrative. “Paresh is a delight to watch- he knows how much he needs to put in to convince us he is playing a Bengali man, without going overboard. Even his accent is measured. Adil is wonderfully restrained, and together in a scene they engross you.”

The film’s deliberate pacing and attention to detail make it stand out. Mahadevan ensures every frame serves a purpose, creating a cinematic experience that feels like a departure from the chaos of modern life. “Overall, The Storyteller is a must-watch- it’s a pause in time, a departure from the mundane, pacy lives we lead. Something as simple as a man who loves to tell stories- and what happens to his stories- becomes a story in itself.”

Now streaming on Zee5, The Storyteller is a reminder of the timeless power of stories and the relationships they forge. It is a film that resonates, inspires, and lingers long after the credits roll.