How cinema brought Premchand’s stories to life: Top 5 film adaptations

Although made in Telugu by legendary director Mrinal Sen, Oka Oori Katha is based on Premchand’s disturbing short story Kafan (The Shroud), and its message transcends language. It tells the story of a father-son duo so numbed by poverty that they choose to spend the money collected for a funeral on liquor instead. The film exposes the moral decay bred by extreme deprivation. Stark, minimalist, and brutally honest, this adaptation remains one of the boldest interpretations of Premchand’s darkest tale, echoing his voice against social and economic apathy.

One of Premchand’s most important novels, Godaan was adapted into a poignant Hindi film in 1963 by Trilok Jetley. The story captures the life of Hori, a poor farmer whose deepest desire is to own a cow — a symbol of respect in rural India. The film explores themes of debt, class struggle, hypocrisy, and broken dreams. With Rajkumar in the lead, the movie delivers a strong emotional impact while staying true to the novel’s social realism. Godaan remains a quintessential film for anyone interested in Premchand’s depiction of agrarian India.

Also directed by Satyajit Ray, Sadgati (meaning "Salvation") is a short yet powerful television film based on Premchand’s brutally honest story about caste-based exploitation. The narrative follows a Dalit man who dies from overwork after seeking a Brahmin priest’s favour. Om Puri delivers a searing performance that brings out the raw pain and dehumanization experienced by the oppressed. With no background music and stark visuals, Ray keeps the realism intact, turning this 52-minute film into a haunting social commentary that aligns perfectly with Premchand’s lifelong concerns about inequality and injustice.

Satyajit Ray's Shatranj Ke Khilari, based on Premchand’s short story, is arguably the most celebrated cinematic adaptation of his work. Set in 1856, just before the British annexation of Awadh, the film revolves around two noblemen obsessed with the game of chess, while their kingdom crumbles around them. Ray skillfully uses the game as a metaphor for political inaction and aristocratic escapism. With brilliant performances by Sanjeev Kumar and Saeed Jaffrey, and narration by Amitabh Bachchan, the film blends history, irony, and subtle humour — all while staying faithful to Premchand’s critique of feudal apathy.

This Doordarshan series, directed by Gulzar, breathes new life into Premchand’s timeless short stories through simple yet powerful dramatizations. Each episode adapts a different story — such as Poos Ki Raat, Namak Ka Daroga, Bade Ghar Ki Beti, and Kafan — showcasing Premchand’s range in addressing themes like poverty, corruption, gender roles, and moral dilemmas. The series stands out for its quiet storytelling, rooted performances, and deep respect for the source material. For many viewers, it served as an introduction to the enduring relevance of Premchand’s writing.