Unit 4 Short Story: An Astrologer's Day by RK Narayan
Thia task is given by Megha ma'am.
In this task we have to compare short film on An Astrologer's Day with the original short stroty by RK Narayan. instruction link.
In video:
The video transcript presents a dark, emotional, and intense tale involving a troubled individual with a violent past, seeking answers from a spiritually powerful astrologer. The astrologer in the video is shown as a serious, mystical guide, charging a fee and offering stern warnings about fate, trauma, guilt, and spiritual consequences. The story revolves around astrological rituals, inner turmoil, and a sense of fatalism — portraying astrology as a legitimate and powerful influence on life decisions. The mood is heavy, tragic, and emotionally complex.
In story:
In contrast, R.K. Narayan’s An Astrologer’s Day is a satirical and ironic short story. The astrologer is a fake, using common tricks and vague language to fool people in a busy market. One day, he unknowingly meets a man he once tried to kill and thought was dead. When he realizes this, he smartly manipulates the conversation and sends the man away safely, telling him his attacker is dead (which is actually himself). The story ends with relief and a clever twist, revealing how fate and coincidence saved the astrologer from being exposed. The tone is light, ironic, and realistic rather than emotional or mystical.
Original Story: “An Astrologer’s Day” by R.K. Narayan
The beginning of R.K. Narayan’s “An Astrologer’s Day” introduces the astrologer in a busy marketplace, setting up his simple stall under a peepul tree with props like sacred ash, cowrie shells, and ancient charts. Though he appears wise, it is quickly revealed that he is a fraud who knows nothing of astrology and depends entirely on guesswork and people’s cues. The bustling marketplace, lit by flickering lights and filled with noise, creates a vivid setting of Indian street life and introduces the story’s tone of subtle irony. The most important scene in the story is the astrologer’s encounter with a stranger named Guru Nayak. The tension rises when Guru Nayak challenges the astrologer to prove his powers. During their conversation, the astrologer recognizes Guru Nayak as the man he once tried to kill before fleeing his village. Realizing that Guru Nayak does not recognize him, the astrologer cleverly lies, saying that the man who attacked him is dead and warns him never to return to that village—thus protecting himself from being exposed. The story ends with the astrologer returning home and calmly telling his wife that the man he thought he had murdered is actually alive. This quiet ending delivers a powerful twist and a sense of relief, as the astrologer is finally free from the fear of his past crime being discovered.
In Video:
The Beginning
Opens with a spiritual astrologer giving intense, emotional advice.He addresses a troubled person with a restless, impulsive nature.Introduces the concept of spiritual protection through a sacred thread (maiyada).Hints at family conflict, especially involving a problematic female figure.Sets a serious, mystical tone—astrology is portrayed as powerful and fate-deciding.
Important Scenes (In Video)
1. The Market Scene
Depicts everyday rural life, showing a contrast with urban struggles.Includes Chutki persistently asking for sweets—this symbolizes normalcy and tenderness amid chaos.Farmers and family working in fields reflect responsibility and tradition.The seeker, however, is lost in confusion and spiritual crisis.
The Encounter with the Astrologer (Guru Nayak Parallel)
The seeker consults the astrologer, revealing inner guilt, trauma, and fear.The astrologer confronts him with knowledge of a past violent act—stabbing a landlord during a drunken fight.This mirrors the Guru Nayak encounter, but here the astrologer exposes the seeker's secret rather than hiding his own.He warns: “Don’t go south... the shadow of death will grow,” making the climax deeply fatalistic and dramatic.The Conversation with Family (Wife Parallel)Instead of a calm domestic talk like in the original, the video shows emotional family tension:A woman is portrayed as suspicious of her husband, struggling between ambition and motherhood.
These scenes reflect a broken emotional environment rather than peace.The conversation is not about closure, but about internal conflict and strained relationships.
Climax Scene in Video
The astrologer reveals the seeker’s crime: stabbing a landlord in the past.Warns of death approaching if he strays too far from home.Advises spiritual remedies and demands a strict fee.Tension peaks with themes of guilt, fate, and fear.Very emotional and dramatic, unlike the original’s irony.
Questions and answer related to this video and original story contrast:
1. How faithful is the movie to the original short story?
The movie (video adaptation) is loosely inspired by the original story, but not faithful in tone, structure, or character roles.In Narayan’s story, the astrologer is a fraud, while in the movie, he’s a serious, spiritual guide.The plot twist—which is central to the original—is missing. Instead, the video focuses on emotional trauma, fate, and mysticism, which adds a dramatic, psychological angle not found in the original.
2. After watching the movie, have your perception about the short story, characters or situations changed?
Yes, the movie adds depth and emotional weight that makes us think more about guilt, destiny, and morality.It makes the theme of karma and retribution more intense.It shifts focus from irony and cleverness to spiritual consequences and emotional burden.The original astrologer seems like a survivor and trickster, but the movie version appears more like a moral judge or spiritual therapist.
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