Rekha's 'Umrao Jaan,' Guru Dutt's 'Pyaasa': Classics screening at IFFI
What's the story
The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), running from November 20-28, will showcase 10 restored classics, including Rekha's Umrao Jaan, Guru Dutt's Pyaasa, and Ritwik Ghatak's Subarnarekha. The restoration project was a collaboration between Prasad, a global leader in film preservation and post-production, the National Film Development Corporation, and the National Film Archive of India. The initiative aims to meticulously revive these films that represent some of the most powerful creative voices of Indian cinema.
Film lineup
Restored films and screening schedule at IFFI
The restored versions of Muzaffar Ali's Umrao Jaan and Gaman will be screened on November 21 and 22, respectively. Kalpana Lajmi's Rudaali, starring Dimple Kapadia, will also have its restored version screened on November 22. Ghatak's Subarnarekha is scheduled for November 23, along with the 1951 film Murliwala. Govind Nihlani's Party (1984) and Dutt's Pyaasa (1957) will be screened on November 24. Shyam Benegal's Susman (1987) and Sibi Malayil's Kireedam (1989) will be shown on November 27.
Restoration process
Prasad's commitment to preserving India's cinematic heritage
Lastly, Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Musafir (1957) will have its screening on the last day of the festival. Prasad's teams employed digital restoration, color grading, and final Mastering & QC to ensure that every frame, texture, and sonic detail is preserved while remaining true to the filmmaker's original vision. Abhishek Prasad, director & CTO at Prasad, said, "Each title carries within it a piece of India's cultural memory; the craft, courage, and creativity of filmmakers who defined our cinematic language."