The National Film Development Corporation and the National Film Archive of India (NFDC-NFAI) have successfully completed the 4K restoration of Ritwik Ghatak’s films as part of the National Film Heritage Mission, a key initiative by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting aimed at film preservation and restoration.
In a collaborative effort with the British Film Institute (BFI), NFDC-NFAI is set to present a retrospective at BFI Southbank in London to celebrate the centenary of Ghatak’s birth. This event, scheduled to commence in June 2026, will showcase restored versions of Ghatak’s works along with a selection of documentaries, short films, and incomplete projects related to the filmmaker.
The restoration process utilized original film elements that have been maintained by the archive over the years, supplemented by materials obtained from the West Bengal State Film Archive. The color grading was overseen by Avik Mukhopadhyay, a national award-winning cinematographer.
This retrospective will include restored films such as Meghe Dhaka Tara, Subarnarekha, Komal Gandhar, Ajantrik, Nagarik, Bari Thekey Paliye, Jukti Takko Aar Gappo, and Titas Ekti Nadir Naam. Additionally, audiences can look forward to screenings of documentaries and short films like Bihar Ke Darshaniya Sthan, My Lenin, Puruliar Chhau, and Ramkinkar Baij.
Mukhopadhyay expressed that his involvement in this project provided him with an insightful perspective on Ghatak’s unique cinematic style and visual storytelling. He emphasized the significance of this restoration effort in safeguarding film heritage for the enjoyment and study of future generations.
Prakash Magdum, the Managing Director of NFDC, highlighted that this collaboration with the BFI presents a valuable opportunity for global audiences to rediscover Ghatak’s films while also showcasing India’s commitment to archival restoration through the National Film Heritage Mission.
Ghatak is celebrated as one of the most impactful filmmakers in Indian cinema, known for his works that delve into themes of Partition, displacement, and societal transformation. Although his filmography is relatively brief, the impact of his films continues to resonate within both Indian and global cinema.
The restoration of Ghatak’s films is part of broader initiatives under the mission to preserve and digitize classic Indian cinema. In recent years, numerous films across various Indian languages and regions have been restored through this program as part of ongoing archival conservation efforts.
Nilambari Salunke is currently an intern at The Indian Express in Pune.
