'Re-releasing classic films helps youth rediscover great cinema': Anand Pandit

This can easily be called the year of classics as far as the Indian film industry is concerned. It started with Shyam Benegal's Manthan which was re-released in Indian theatres after it was showcased on the global stage at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2024. The country's first crowdfunded film, Manthan was a labour of love between Shyam Benegal and hundreds of Indian farmers who contributed little by little for making the film. It was screened at the Cannes Classics Section this year after being restored.

What started with Manthan has now taken the shape of a new trend as more filmmakers re-release classics. This week we saw hordes of old films that the audiences appreciated once, return to theatres.

Anand Pandit lauds new trend of classic re-releasing in theatres

On this new trend, Indian film producer Anand Pandit said,'''Manthan' wasreleased in May across India in over 100 theatres and many young people in the audience were struck by its cinematic beauty, its message of social inclusivity and the fact that 500,000 farmers had financed its production."

Happy with the trend, Anand Pandit said that it not only helps tofamiliarise the young with their own cinematic legacy but also brings back into prominence films that deserve to be re-watched on the big screen. "In recent times, I have witnessed the euphoria in theatres when Amitabh Bachchan's iconic films including Don were screened. Audiences were dancing in the aisles to 'Khaike Paan Banaras Wala' and many of these youth were not even born when the film was released in 1978," said Pandit.

He alsorecalledthe palpable awe in theatres when films of Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand were screened some time back.

On the trend of releasing relatively new films like Rockstarand Jab We Met, he said, "I think it is a wonderful idea to bring back recent hits which the audiences have loved. It gives the young a chance to relive the memories of their favourite films and benefits the box office as well. Many times, films like Kaagaz Ke Phooland Jaane Bhi Do Yaarowhich we now recognise as classics did not do too well in their time and it would be wonderful if such cult hits were screened once again. These classics will help a new generation of cinephiles to deepen their appreciation of the art of filmmaking and understand the cultural and societal influences that shaped these masterpieces."

More such films should come out on International Youth Day

As we celebrate International Youth Day on August 12, Anand Pandit believes that thought-provoking films should be screened on occasions days like this. He added,"Films like Shri-420taught the post-independence generation to adhere to honesty and demonstrated what the consequences of losing personal integrity could be. More recently, films like Lakshya, 12th Failand many others have inspired the young to set goals and achieve them against all odds. I feel, that bringing back such films on the big screen will be a very positive step and as a producer and a cinema aficionado, I am committed to preserving and promoting India's glorious cinematic heritage."