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There's a cover of artificiality in The Storyteller as it starts to narrate the story of a retired serviceman's (Paresh Rawal) retirement journey as he moves from Kolkata to Ahmedabad and takes up a job. But all that dissolves away as the story dives into its crux, introducing a rather novel (though, not exactly, as this is an adaptation) conflict on film. It's something that I have not seen before, so naturally it worked for me, albeit less than what succeeds it. The film is centered on Paresh Rawal and Adil Hussain's effortless performances, also helped by Revathy and Tannishtha Chatterjee. By the end of it, I sat there amazed. This is a good film.

(Watched at the 2022 International Film Festival of India in Goa.)

"The only solutions that are ever worth anything are the solutions that people find themselves"- Satyajit Ray.

The Storyteller (2025) is a thoughtfully made film inspired by Satyajit Ray's short story Golpo Boliye Tarini Khuro. It brings to life the fascinating character of Tarini Khuro, an eccentric and sharp-witted storyteller created by Ray.

Directed by Ananth Narayan Mahadevan, the film features a stellar cast, including Paresh Rawal, Adil Hussain, Tannishtha Chatterjee, and Revathi. Staying true to Ray's signature style, it blends humor, social insight, and the magic of storytelling, making it a heartfelt tribute to his legacy.

Paresh Rawal delivers a brilliant performance as Tarini Khuro, effortlessly bringing charm and depth to the character. Adil Hussain also does a commendable job, adding weight to the narrative, while Revathi's cameo brings an extra touch of magic to the film. Abhinandan to the entire cast for their outstanding performances!

Ray's Tarini Khuro stories were known for their mix of mystery, wit, and intellect, and The Storyteller does a commendable job of capturing that spirit on screen.

Anwar Says: Bengal is land of literary genius and this movie is based on short story of one of them Satyajit Ray -Golpo Boliye Tarini Khuro. What a masterpiece from the pen of Ray , witty with an unexpected twist and shot on the original lanes of Calcutta and Ahmedabad. Thanks to director Anant Mahadevan who has chosen the original surroundings and not with the green curtains.

For the character of Tarini Babu , there couldn't be a better choice than Paresh Rawal. His obsession for fish and Pujo and smoking a non-filter hand made cigarette looks so real. Adil Hussain as Gujju cotton tycoon hiring a storyteller to solve his insomnia can be conceived only by Ray. His calm and composed reactions, even after the twist is a treat to watch. Revathi has nothing much to do. Editing is superb and you just cannot miss even a single frame, even after a slow pace.

Please find time to watch this movie, a soothing experience after much of crime and violence. You will understand the flavour of meaningful cinema.

#disneyhotstar #anwarsays #bengalilitreature #Tagore #pujo #fishlove #storyteller #SatyajitRay #PareshRawal #AnantMahadevan #MaximGorky.

If one reads Satyajit Ray's short story "Golpo Boliye Tarini Khuro (Storyteller Tarini Uncle)" one would hardly find enough material to make a feature-length film out of it. There are other Tarini stories of course, but Ananth Mahadevan's "The Storyteller" is based only on the aforementioned one. Hence, the makers have had to add stuff, drag out the narrative, build upon the characters and feed in underlying themes.

Casting Paresh Rawal as a Bengali was nothing short of a blunder. And it felt like he wasn't given much to base his character off of - the worst thing that can happen to a Ray adaptation. Adil Hussain as the Gujarati businessman Garodia too seemed out of it. Additional supporting characters have been sprinkled in generously but most of them didn't seem to add much to the narrative. I failed to understand the dynamics between Tarini and the librarian Suzie (Tannishtha Chatterjee - awfully miscast). Only Revathi somehow makes her mark despite her limited screen time.

Clichés have been added in poor taste (two things need to be mentioned here: 1) Tarini was fine with having Gujarati food at his employer's residence in the original story, 2) The depiction of Durga Puja in the film is the worst I've ever seen). Had expected some good stories (either original or adapted from Ray's other works) presented in animated form as Tarini attempts to put his employer to sleep - got a couple of poorly "spun" headless/tailless ideas instead. The overall pacing is painfully drab, with more focus on the mundane and minimal efforts to make things interesting for the viewer. Even the conflict and the resolution seemed lacklustre. Tarini's ultimate self-discovery after overcoming self-doubt felt like a consolation prize for sitting through the film.

Pros? A few witty lines here and there and the closing scene. The music too, I guess - Tagore and Ray never fail.

"The Storyteller" is a prime example of how bad filmmakers ruin good stories despite having great actors on board. Let's just leave it at that.

The Storyteller (2025) : Movie Review -

I believe there is a different kind of magic in Ananth Mahadevan's storytelling, even though I am not particularly familiar with all his works. I am a huge fan of his storytelling in "Me Sindhutai Sapkal." Besides being a great motivational biopic, it possesses a unique magic due to Mahadevan's sincerity towards the narrative. He repeats that same magic with "The Storyteller," which is not as powerful or motivational as the aforementioned biopic because it's not real, but still has enough merits to earn a place on your watchlist.

The Storyteller is based on Satyajit Ray's short, "Golpo Bolo Tarini Khuro," which tells the story of a storyteller and a listener. I would have enjoyed the film more in the '80s than I did today because it has a "dated" quality attached to it. Nonetheless, it's interesting enough to be worth two hours of your life. Tarini Bandopadhyay (Paresh Rawal) is hired as a storyteller by a wealthy businessman, Garodia (Adil Hussain). Tarini is afraid of writing his own stories due to a fear complex, criticism, and so on, but he is exceptionally good at telling stories. Garodia suffers from insomnia, which is why he seeks Tarini's help. The two form a strong friendship, but what happens when they realize it was all a deception?

The Storyteller addresses many themes such as jealousy, success, fear, deception, and manipulation, yet never forces any of these elements to take hold of the entire narrative. This feels authentic, even with a fine twist toward the end that is more suitable for a thriller than this dramatic tale. Some of the dialogues are poignant and metaphorical. "Saraswati Laxmi se keh rahi ki Durga interesting hai." I mean, WOW! Even "WOW" is an understatement here. "Good artists copy; great artists steal" - Picasso, and that silence lingers awkwardly. In one scene, Tarini explains the meaning of his name and compares it to Durga, Mahishasurmardini, which seemed abruptly aggressive at that moment. However, it is only later revealed why he was acting aggressively then. The way elements are planned and woven into the screenplay is what makes this simple story capture the viewers' attention.

This is a performance-driven film, and thankfully we have two solid actors in the lead roles and a good supporting cast. Paresh Rawal, being a Gujju, plays a Bengali man who loves fish and then becomes half Gujarati temporarily. Such a fine way to explore the character's arc. Adil Hussain has done a fantastic job as half protagonist and half antagonist here. Revathy appears in a cameo role, but she plays a very important part. Tannistha Chatterjee is the most naturally attractive and intelligent librarian I have seen in a Hindi movie in recent times. The rest of the supporting cast adds excellent support and earns this casting unit a thumbs up all the way.

The Storyteller suffers from a strong human conflict that could have added a solid dramatic element to it. The way Tarini and Garodia switch their moods and attitudes was too ordinary to experience. I never really could find out that one particular thing which made those characters change their minds and take a 180-degree shift. That's one fault in the writing that lets this film down. Rest assured, it's a proper cinematic experience in a niche genre that also has powerful support from the technical aspects like background score, cinematography, and editing. Ananth Mahadevan could have worked better on the story, but his storytelling is just too good to point a finger at. Overall, a subtle film with a dated story, but it is worthy enough.

RATING - 6/10*

By - #samthebestest.

"Good artists copy, great artists steal!" But what happens when a plagiarist meets his match? "Nakkal main bhi Akkal chahiye" (Even a copycat needs brains :-)) takes center stage in this gripping tale of storytelling.

Based on Satyajit Ray's iconic story 'Golpo Boliye Tarini Khuro', the film masterfully weaves a narrative around Tarini Bandhopadhay, a retired storyteller and Ratan Garodia, a businessman-turned-storywriter struggling with insomnia. As Tarini spins his bedtime stories, essential questions about ownership and authorship arise.

Paresh Rawal shines as the charismatic storyteller, while Adil Hussain brings depth and nuance to his character. Their undeniable chemistry elevates the film to new heights. While the pacing may be slow and some sequences repetitive, the movie's offbeat charm and thought-provoking themes make it a compelling watch. As the story unfolds, as I did, you too may find questioning your stance on plagiarism and empathizing with the plagiarist.

Masterfully directed by Ananth Mahadevan. With outstanding performances and a gripping narrative, it is a great watch.

The center character of the film, our beloved Tarini Bandopadhyay, stared beautifully by Paresh Rawal. Though he is not a "khasi bangali", he did an amazing job in portraying the character on screen. The performance of Adil Hussain is also as always over the top, + I do like him better in negative roles.

I am a huge Mirchi sunday suspence fan and i must say, it caught the old vibes of Satyajit Ray on another level, and this movie using Rabindra Sangeet as BGM might be the first one in doing so.

The story is thrilling, most obviously a 1-time watch, and it should appeal to all bangalis.

Tarini 's journey after his retirement has been crafted beautifully and thoughtfully. The idea of listening to stories and sleeping is also appealing to me.

I hvnt read the original story but have read many other stories. Film captures the simplistic vibe of his stories.

Paresh rawal is retired from his day job, and is a passionate storyteller. With wife gone and son in US, he is alone, and takes a job of a storyteller in gujrat.

Wont put spoilers but what happens next is good, though bit predictive in the beginning but the climax was food for me. I liked the way it ended. There are things i want to say but thay may act as spoiler.

In the end, everyone wants to be a good storyteller. But only few are inherently good at it. One thing which i felt missing was maybe, rawals character may have told more stories, that wudve added more flavour to the film.

So I have just watched this movie and this movie is so beautifully tells u about the two cultures, which are Bengali and Gujarati. This film has different perspectives on a situation, and the film continues with the witty dialogues and sarcastic digs on both the cultures. You can also see a soft conflict of capitalism and communism. No doubt the film is visually appealing and gives u some beautiful moments in which u can feel the character's emotion.

Film also carries the stereotypes of communities like Gujaratis as the fraud people. As u know, this film is based on Satyajit Ray's short story so there is the Bengali perspective on the world. The ending of the film is unexpected and that is why the film never bores u till the very end.

This movie is based on a short story by Satyajit Ray - Golpo Boliye Tarini Khuro (Storyteller Tarini Uncle). Shot in the lanes of Calcutta and Ahmedabad by director Anant Mahadevan who has chosen actual surroundings and not green screens, thankfully.

Paresh Rawal plays a middle-class Bengali who has just retired from a publishing house. To keep himself occupied he takes up a job as a storyteller to a prosperous Gujarati cotton businessman (Adil Hussain). He's hired as a storyteller by the businessman to overcome his insomnia.

The story is wonderful as it is written by a master storyteller. Only Ray could have conceived a plot as innovative and intriguing as this.

If one reads the original short story one would hardly find enough material to make a full-length feature film out of it. Credit for this goes to the principal screenplay writer Kireet Khurana. It blends the magic of storytelling with humour and social insights making it a heartfelt tribute to Ray's legacy. It's a pause in time and a departure from the mundane, pacy lives we live.

Despite the positives I just can't understand our obsession for mimicking accents. Either get into the character with in-depth understanding of nuances, mannerisms and accent (like Irrfan Khan in The Namesake), else just speak in normal Hindi.

Why does Tarini keep dropping a few words in Bengali at times and otherwise speak in Hindi with his friends and family. Also Garodia chooses to speak a few words or phrases in Gujarati. But chats with his man Friday in Hindi, and addresses a gathering of Gujaratis in Hindi. Don't get me wrong, both Paresh Rawal and Adil Hussain are terrific performers and I respect their talents. But this sticks out as a sore thumb despite having great actors.

Those unfamiliar with Bengali culture, who haven't read the original story or heard it on "Sunday Suspense" (Mirchi Bangla), might enjoy it. But for someone like me, born and raised in West Bengal, deeply connected to Bengali culture, it's disappointing.

The extreme typecasting and stereotyping of Bengalis, along with the complete distortion of the iconic "Tarini Khuro" character, make it unwatchable. Tarini Khuro was originally an unmarried man who spent his younger years traveling across India and working in countless jobs. In retirement, he preferred the company of children over people his own age, sharing his adventures as stories. But here, they turned him into a married man with kids, showing him as a bit lonely and disconnected from his children, totally contradicting the original essence of the character.

The portrayal of Bengalis was equally frustrating, cutting "sandesh" instead of cake for a birthday, haggling over "ilish maach" prices, and that horribly fake Bengali accent were just unbearable. Paresh Rawal is a phenomenal actor, and I deeply respect his talent, but this role demanded a Bengali actor. Someone like Sabyasachi Chakraborty or Saswata Chatterjee would have done full justice to the character.

The Storyteller is 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. Based on Satyajit Ray's short story "Golpo Boliye Tarini Khuro". For novel reader must watched movie . Mid of action and fantasy world of cinema its a cool breeze with little chill but wants your patience. Bengali cultured with Gujrati notch beautifully portrayed by Ananth Mahadevan. Paresh Rawal and Adil Hussain show . It blends humor, social insight, and the magic of storytelling, making it a heartfelt tribute to his legacy.

This movie with a USP of devastating simplicity is not for all types of audiences and will appeal only to the discriminating segment. It is marked by fine performances of Paresh Rawal and Adil Hussain both veterans in the acting field. Based on a short story the narrative is slow indeed but absorbing all the same. Paresh plays a simple natured typical middle class Bengali gentleman who has just retired from a publishing house. In order to keep himself occupied he takes up a job as a storyteller to a well to do Gujarati businessman ( Adil Hussain ) who has insomnia. This arrangement works well for both of them till some unexpected developments take place causing a a minor upheaval in the situation.

Director Ananth Mahadevan has shot and presented the movie in a style which Ray would have definitely approved of and appreciated. Artistic camera angles, long lingering static shots are in plenty. ( However I found the top shots at the staircase a trifle jarring). The scenes are framed and photographed to mesmerizing effect with minimal add ons including background music. The cultural aspects of both Bengalis ( music, fish, Durga pooja) and Gujaratis ( Dhokla rtc) are effectively used to establish the atmosphere. Revathy and Tannishtha Chatterjee have done well in supporting roles. The highlight is of course the natural and simplistic acting of both Paresh Rawal and Adil Hussain.

The Film is good not Great. The theme is good. The story is wonderful as it is written by a master himself the Great Satyajit Ray. HIt is an ordinary film lacking the magic of great director.

My view is that Paresh Rawal would have been great in Adil Hussain's role and the Tarini's role could have been played by Saswata Chatterjee or Rajatava Dutta...they could have atleast justified the role.... the language problem was clearly seen as the poor choice of director. Unfortunately that is how it is.... A fantastic story sopiled by the wrong choices and understanding of a very ordinary director.

I recently watched this movie, and it was a delightful experience. There are very few films that are simply good and beautiful, solely because of their sheer simplicity. This movie is lighthearted, family-friendly, and engaging. There's nothing that will make you look away.

Paresh Rawal delivers an outstanding performance, showcasing his brilliance in keeping a film interesting through his delivery and expressions. Adil Hussain also gives a strong performance, though Revathi's role felt a bit underwhelming.

Movies like this are a refreshing treat, especially when one has had their fill of high-intensity, over-the-top "masala" films.

It's showing predudice towards Gujarat and Gujaratis. Movie show case gujarati people are nothing but cheater business community. Also propoganda to promote non veg food by showcaseing Gujarati vegitarian businessmen start eating fish 🐟

This story could be better if they do not show any specific community. Still movie is terribly slow. Total waste of time & electricity. Should stop producing such movie which promotes regional divide by protrating one community as cheater.

Story is of 2-3 lines: A gujarati business men hires bengali story teller saying he is suffering from insomnia.

Later Bengali gentleman discovers from a librarian that Gujarati businessman started publishing stories as his original creation (which story teller use to narrets him).

Gujarati businessman is doing so to get his 30 years old crush now a widow.

Finally bengali story teller informs tagore trust that their work has been published by gujrati businessman so tagore trust serve copywritile violation notice. And his crush also left him.

Lastly both charectors start writing this incident as their story.

In this movie, a rich non-Bengali man appoints a 'not rich' creative Bengali man for some creative work and offers him salary.

Later the creative man finds out that the rich man is using his products for earning more money without his permission. He gets angry and exacts revenge in his own creative way. That makes an interesting story.

The creative man gets non-vegetarian food cooked in a vegetarian man's house without letting him know. A pardonable mischief. (The creative man and the author of the story are both from the same background).

Actors are excellent. Locations are very nice and photography is good.

Satyajit Ray's Tarini Khuro is a beloved figure in Bengali literature, a storyteller whose tales are known for their wit, brevity, and captivating narratives. As someone familiar with these iconic short stories, I approached Ananth Mahadevan's "The Storyteller" with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. Unfortunately, the film largely fails to capture the essence of Tarini Khuro, leaving a profound sense of disappointment.

The most glaring issue lies in the film's complete mischaracterization of Tarini Khuro. Ray's creation is sharp, quick-witted, and his stories are a thrilling, often humorous, ride. The film, however, presents a Tarini that is sluggish, almost lethargic. Paresh Rawal, a tremendously talented actor, is visibly miscast and struggles to embody the dynamism inherent in the character. While Rawal tries his best, the screenplay and direction fail him, resulting in a portrayal that feels forced and, dare I say, boring. The charm and infectious enthusiasm that define Tarini Khuro are simply absent.

The film's shortcomings extend beyond the miscasting. The screenplay is weak, failing to translate the magic of Ray's succinct storytelling into a compelling cinematic experience. The narrative meanders, losing the crispness and focus that are hallmarks of Tarini Khuro's tales. The editing further exacerbates this issue, creating a disjointed and uneven pacing that detracts from any potential momentum. Unnecessary scenes, seemingly included in the name of artistic expression, only serve to prolong the film and add to the overall sense of tedium. These additions feel forced and contribute nothing to the story or character development, ultimately hindering the film's flow.

One of the greatest tragedies of "The Storyteller" is its inability to evoke the joy and laughter that are synonymous with Tarini Khuro's stories. Reading Tarini Khuro is an experience filled with smiles and chuckles. The film, despite the presence of capable actors, fails to elicit any such emotion. Instead, it leaves the audience feeling listless and disconnected. This failure to capture the inherent humor and lightheartedness of the source material is perhaps the most significant disservice the film commits.

Ananth Mahadevan, who has previously delivered successful films like "Aksar," seems to be out of his depth when dealing with Ray's work. Adapting a literary masterpiece is a delicate undertaking, and "The Storyteller" proves that Mahadevan's forte does not lie in interpreting the nuanced world of Satyajit Ray. It feels like a misguided attempt to translate a beloved character to the screen, resulting in a pale imitation that lacks the vibrancy and charm of the original.

My advice to those who grew up reading Tarini Khuro is to stay far away from this film. It offers nothing new, and, more importantly, it actively diminishes the image of a character cherished by generations of Bengali readers. "The Storyteller" is a classic example of a film that squanders its potential, leaving behind a profound sense of disappointment and a nagging question: why tamper with perfection?

Paresh Rawal is undoubtedly a great actor, and he was my main reason for watching this film. However, in this particular role, his Bengali accent felt unconvincing and detracted from the character's authenticity.

The accent was noticeably poor, which was a significant drawback.

If the filmmakers had cast someone from Bengali cinema, someone with a natural command of the dialect and the nuances of the language, the film could have been a truly perfect cinematic experience.

The miscasting in this regard was a missed opportunity to elevate the film to its full potential.

If casting was done properly, I would have rated it 8.5/10.