English, August (1994)
A landmark of Indian independent cinema, English, August is a razor-sharp comedy-drama about identity, alienation, and the absurdity of bureaucratic life.
English, August - Movie Information
- Original Title: English, August
- Release Year: 1994
- Directed by: Dev Benegal
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 58m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Hindi, English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 16, 1994 (India)
- Production Companies: Tropicfilm
- Production Countries: India
English, August - Plot
Agasyta, an urban bengali who seamlessly shuttles between Ella Fitzgerald and Rabindra Sangeet, joins the Indian administration service and gets posted in the lap of India's hinterland - a dingy little town called Madna.
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English, August - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Dev Benegal
Main Cast
- Rahul Bose
- Salim Shah
- Tanvi Azmi
- Shivaji Satham
- Yogendra Tiku
- Mita Vashisht
- Veerendra Saxena
Writers
- Dev Benegal
English, August - FAQs
What is English, August about?
English, August follows Agastya Sen, a witty, pot-smoking young IAS officer posted to Madna, a dusty backwater town far from his cosmopolitan Delhi life. The film chronicles his alienation, dark humor, and existential drift as he navigates the absurdities of Indian bureaucracy and provincial existence.
Is English, August based on a book?
Yes. English, August is based on the acclaimed 1988 novel of the same name by Upamanyu Chatterjee. The novel, a cult classic of Indian English literature, drew heavily from Chatterjee's own experiences as an IAS officer posted in rural India.
Who are the main actors in English, August?
The film stars Rahul Bose as Agastya Sen, alongside Salim Shah as Ravi Srivastava, Tanvi Azmi as Malti Srivastava, Shivaji Satham as Govind Sathe, Yogendra Tiku as SP Kumar, Mita Vashisht as Sita Avery, and Veerendra Saxena as Laxman Shankar.
When was English, August released?
English, August was released on September 16, 1994, in India. It marked a significant moment in Indian independent cinema, offering a bold, unconventional portrait of bureaucratic life that stood apart from mainstream Bollywood productions of the era.
Who directed English, August?
English, August was directed by Dev Benegal, who also wrote the screenplay. It was his feature directorial debut and is widely regarded as a landmark of Indian independent cinema, praised for its sharp wit, naturalistic performances, and honest portrayal of post-colonial identity.
What genre is English, August?
English, August is a comedy-drama. It blends dry, satirical humor with a thoughtful, introspective examination of identity, alienation, and the clash between urban sensibilities and rural Indian life, making it a distinctive entry in Indian independent cinema.
Where can I stream English, August online?
Streaming availability for English, August varies by region and platform. You can check current viewing options, including rental and subscription services available in your area, on JustWatch for the most up-to-date information.
How long is the film English, August?
English, August has a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes (118 minutes). The film's measured pace suits its contemplative, character-driven narrative, allowing Agastya's sense of stagnation and wry detachment to settle naturally over the course of the story.
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