Theatre to show restored version of Satyajit Ray's iconic film Mahanagar
Cinema lovers are in for a treat this weekend as PVR Cinemas re-releases one of India's most celebrated filmmakers, Satyajit Ray's first and one of the most iconic films, Mahanagar, on the big screen.
Cinema lovers are in for a treat this weekend as PVR Cinemas re-releases one of India's most celebrated filmmakers, Satyajit Ray's first and one of the most iconic films, Mahanagar, on the big screen.
Commemorating 50 years of the film, Mahanagar has been digitally restored by the RDB Organisation under the leadership of Kamal Bansal. This is the 5th digitally restored classic release under 'Director's Rare' banner, previous ones include Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Salaam Bombay, Chashme Buddoor and Om Dar B Dar.
PVR Director's Rare will re-release the movie on April 18 with English subtitles across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata Chennai, Bangalore, Pune and Ahmedabad.
Mahanagar, the story of a middle class housewife who breaks norms by taking on the job of a saleswoman, was first released in 1963. Despite an initial tepid response, Ray went on to win the Silver Bear at the 14th Berlin International Film Festival in 1964 for the film. In fact, Pulitzer prize winning film critic Roger Ebert even hailed the movie as "One of the most rewarding screen experiences of our time." Mahanagar was also recently screened at BFI London to mark the 50th anniversary of the film.
Speaking on the occasion, Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Joint Managing Director, PVR Limited said, "We feel extremely privileged to show this rich legacy of movies through Director's Rare. It not only gives the niche audiences a chance to reminiscence the movies, but also provides rare access to them."
Incidentally, the film also marks the acting debut of Jaya (Bahaduri) Bachchan who played a small but pivotal role in the film at the age of 15.