An Astrologer's Day

An Astrologer's Day 

R.K. Narayan, in full Rasipuram Krishnaswami Narayan, original name Rasipuram Krishnaswami Narayanswami, (born October 10, 1906, Madras [now known as Chennai], India—died May 13, 2001, Madras), one of the finest Indian authors of his generation writing in English. 

Narayan was raised  by his grandmother, he completed his education in 1930 and briefly worked as a teacher before deciding to devote himself to writing. His first novel , Swami and Friends (1935), is an episodic narrative recounting the adventures of a group of schoolboys. That book and much of Narayan’s later works are set in the fictitious South Indian town of Malgudi. Narayan typically portrays the peculiarities of human relationships and the ironies of Indian daily life, in which modern urban existence clashes with ancient tradition. His style is graceful, marked by genial humour, elegance, and simplicity.

Summary of the story 

The short story ‘An Astrologer’s Day’ by R. K. Narayan is a thriller and suspense short story which deals with a single day in the life of an ordinary astrologer who shrewdly tries to dupe people and escape from his guilt. The story not only exposes the fake astrologer but also highlights the gullible and superstitious people who approach him. His day begins like any other day but the day ends with unexpected events. When he is about to wind up his business, he meets a rogue character, Guru Nayak who is a part of the past life of the astrologer. Towards the end, as readers, we receive a shock that Guru Nayak and the astrologer belong to the same native towns. They were once upon a time good friends and had a quarrel one day. The result was that both were into bad company and had a fight. The astrologer tried to kill Guru Nayak by attacking him with a knife and when Guru Nayak fainted, he threw him into a nearby well.

Fortunately, a passerby saved Guru Nayak. The astrologer left his native village forever and became an astrologer. Thus suddenly he confronts his past unexpectedly but smartly tackles the situation.

The surrounding darkness seems to offer a refuge to the astrologer. There is an unexpected twist in the tale with the arrival of Guru Nayak on the scene. Gradually the mystery that is hidden in the darkness is unveiled by his questions. Guru Nayak challenges the astrologer’s knowledge. He refuses to go away without getting a satisfactory answer to his questions.

However, the astrologer who is at his wit’s end now decides to face the situation. He displays accurate knowledge about Guru Nayak’s past and is successful in convincing him. In answering the question of Guru Nayak, the astrologer has not only deceived him but also saved himself from his own fate. The author superbly evokes the atmosphere of suspense and irony in the story. The story reveals how appearances are often deceptive. It shows the witty astrologer’s encounter and escape from his former enemy.

1.How faithful is the movie to the original short story?

Yes, the movie faithful to the original story . All the scenes are correctly placed in the movie even the  minor things are added in the movie . Just two scenes are there which are not in the original text . One is the astrologer’s wife at the initial part and his reveal of his crime through the story of money. Likewise, the movie is

 quiet faithful to the original story line.

2.After watching the movie, have your perception about the short story, characters or situations changed?

The original story is quite faithful to the movie so while watching the moive my perception has not changed but character of Astrologer and Guru Nayak both of them affected me because their was suspense behind being An Astrologer. For the  reason he has to leave that place for his family livelihood and this safety. Adaptation movie helped us to understand the storyline and the characters in more significant way.

3.Do you feel ‘aesthetic delight’ while watching the movie? If yes, exactly when did it happen? If not, can you explain with reasons?

No, I didn't feel any aesthetic delight because the story was moving very smoothly and in a same flow as described in the original story. But at last when the suspense was revealed which was something shocking. 

4.Does screening of movie help you in better understanding of the short story?

Yes, screening of movie help you in better understanding of the short story

Because sometimes reading becomes boring and watching becomes delightful. Watching movie which is  based on our study material is more helpful in understanding it in more better way.

5.Was there any particular scene or moment in the story that you think was perfect?

Yes,when Guru Nayak met Astrologer and told his story of  incident and further more was added by Astrologer because he was the real person behind the problem. And  the suspense was revealed about the Astrologer so this scene was perfect in story. 

6.If you are director, what changes would you like to make in the remaking of the movie based on the short story “An Astrologer’s Day” by R.K.Narayan?

I ,would make change by using  proper location. And even suspense which remained suspense in movie if I may be director I may reveal the suspense in my story Guru Nayak would be protagonist rather than  'An Astrologer'. 

 Thank you!