In the hallowed halls of Indian cinema, there are certain films that transcend time, capturing hearts and minds with their timeless elegance. One such gem is “Umrao Jaan,
” a cinematic treasure that is set to make a dazzling return to the silver screen in a resplendent 4K restoration. Directed by the visionary Muzaffar Ali and starring the iconic Rekha, this classic promises to once again weave its magic on audiences starting from June 27.
As curtains rise on this grand re-release, cinephiles are invited to immerse themselves in the opulent world of 19th-century Lucknow through the eyes of Umrao Jaan. The film’s restoration in 4K has been meticulously undertaken by NFDC-NFAI, breathing new life into every frame and ensuring that its visual splendor shines brighter than ever before.
Muzaffar Ali, the maestro behind this cinematic marvel, is not only bringing back the film but also unveiling a limited-edition coffee table book that peels back the curtain on the making of “
Umrao Jaan.
” Filled with rare photographs, costume sketches, poetic verses, and intimate anecdotes from the set, this book serves as both a collector’s item and a heartfelt homage to the film’s artistic legacy.
“
Umrao Jaan
” is more than just a movie; it’s an emotional journey through love, loss, and longing. With Rekha’s enchanting portrayal of the courtesan-poetess at its heart, this film has etched itself into Indian cinema history as one of its most visually stunning and emotionally resonant works. The music by Khayyam and poetry by Shahryar have ensured that timeless ghazals like ‘Dil Cheez Kya Hai’ continue to stir souls across generations.
Reflecting on the significance of bringing “
Umrao Jaan
” back to cinemas, Muzaffar Ali shared his thoughts: “
It wasn’t just a film; it was an attempt to revive a bygone era’s elegance through pain, poetry, and grace. Rekha breathed life into Umrao Jaan like no other could. I am delighted that new audiences will get to experience this cultural tapestry once again.
”
Rekha herself reminisced about her connection with Umrao Jaan: “
She isn’t just a character I played; she lives within me even today. None of us could have fathomed how enduring this film would become. Its return feels like opening an old love letter for a new generation—a truly heartwarming experience.”
Niharika Bijli from PVR INOX emphasized the importance of presenting “Umrao Jaan” in its full glory: “This re-release is not just about screening a film; it’s about celebrating cinematic artistry at its finest. Through our Timeless Classics initiative, we aim to honor films like ‘Umrao Jaan’ that have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.”
The restoration of “Umrao Jaan” underlines India’s commitment to preserving its rich cinematic heritage through initiatives like National Film Heritage Mission. Prakash Magdum from NFDC highlighted the painstaking efforts involved in restoring this masterpiece: “Working closely with Muzaffar Ali allowed us to breathe new life into ‘Umrao Jan.’ Despite challenges with original negatives, we were able to deliver a visually stunning 4K version that audiences nationwide can enjoy.”
With screenings set to commence across select PVR INOX cinemas on June 27th — marking another chapter in Indian cinema’s glorious saga — audiences can look forward to experiencing “Umrao Jan” afresh.
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