The cinematic world witnessed a significant moment as the meticulously restored version of Satyajit Ray's acclaimed 1970 film Aranyer Din Ratri made its theatrical debut at Priya Cinemas on Friday. This special screening was followed by an engaging panel discussion featuring prominent figures from the film industry.
A Gathering of Cinema Lovers
The event brought together filmmakers, archivists, and cinema enthusiasts to celebrate Ray's timeless work. The panel discussion was moderated by Arijit Dutta, managing director of Priya Cinemas, whose family had originally produced the film. The distinguished panel included filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh, renowned filmmaker and archivist Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, director Ashoke Viswanathan, and writer Ranjan Bandyopadhyay.
The conversation delved deep into the film's enduring cinematic legacy and its profound impact on generations of filmmakers. This restoration project, handled by the Film Heritage Foundation, marks an important milestone in preserving India's rich cinematic heritage.
Global Recognition and Restoration Challenges
Earlier this year, the restored version of Aranyer Din Ratri received international acclaim when it made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. The prestigious event was attended by legendary actress Sharmila Tagore, actor Simi Garewal, Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, and acclaimed filmmaker Wes Anderson, who is known to be a devoted admirer of Ray's cinema.
Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, who spearheaded the restoration project, shared insights into the complex process of film preservation. "One of the biggest challenges in restoring these films is convincing the copyright holders how important it is to preserve them," he revealed. He emphasized the significance of maintaining the film's original texture, noting that "You can see the grains in the film, which are the DNA of cinema. These films can't survive without those grains."
Enduring Influence and Future Projects
Filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh expressed his admiration for the classic, stating "You learn something new every time you watch the film." He particularly praised the portrayal of "two strong female characters, something that was very rare to find in that era." Ghosh also highlighted the film's opening credits as "one of the best opening credits I've ever seen on screen" and described such films as "textbooks — you keep learning from them."
The restoration team has ambitious plans for the future, with ongoing restoration projects for Ray's other classics including Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne, Pratidwandi, and Kanchanjangha. This initiative ensures that future generations will be able to experience Satyajit Ray's masterpieces in their intended glory.
Actor Saswata Chatterjee, whose father, the late actor Shubhendu Chatterjee, played a key role in Aranyer Din Ratri, shared personal reflections on the film's significance. He described the script as truly exceptional, noting "This kind of script is very rare, or maybe I can say I haven't seen anything like it. It's truly a masterpiece."
The restored Aranyer Din Ratri begins its theatrical run across cinemas starting today, offering audiences a fresh opportunity to experience Satyajit Ray's vision in enhanced quality.
