1981 Classic ‘Umrao Jaan’ Returns to Cinemas in Digital Avatar
The cinematic gem Umrao Jaan (1981), known for its poetic elegance and depiction of Awadh’s culture, has made a grand return to theatres in a digitally remastered 4K version. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, director Muzaffar Ali, and other dignitaries attended the premiere in New Delhi, celebrating the re-release of the iconic film that continues to captivate audiences across generations.
Released in 1981, Umrao Jaan is a cinematic masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Directed by Muzaffar Ali and starring Rekha in the titular role, the film is an adaptation of the Urdu novel of the same name by Mirza Hadi Ruswa. The movie tells the story of Umrao Jaan, a courtesan from Lucknow’s famous courtesan quarter, Tahira Kothi, who rises to fame and becomes a celebrated dancer and singer. The film’s narrative is woven around the themes of love, loss, and the decline of the Mughal era, set against the backdrop of the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The digitally remastered version of Umrao Jaan premiered at the PVR Icon theatre in New Delhi, drawing a packed house of cinephiles, cultural enthusiasts, and fans of the iconic film. The event was attended by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, who praised the film’s cultural significance and its ability to transcend time. “Umrao Jaan is a film that not only showcases the beauty of Awadh’s culture but also highlights the struggles of women who were pioneers in their own right,” Puri said.
Muzaffar Ali, the director of the film, was also present at the premiere and spoke about the significance of the film’s re-release. “Umrao Jaan is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences across generations. Its themes of love, loss, and the human condition are universal and timeless, and I am thrilled to see it return to the big screen in a digitally remastered version,” Ali said.
The film’s lead actress, Rekha, was not present at the premiere but has expressed her gratitude to the team behind the re-release. “I am deeply grateful to the team for restoring the film to its former glory. Umrao Jaan is a film that is close to my heart, and I am thrilled to see it reach new audiences,” Rekha said in a statement.
The re-release of Umrao Jaan in a digitally remastered 4K version is a significant event in the world of Indian cinema. The film’s original prints were worn out and in a fragile condition, making it difficult to preserve its original quality. The restoration process, which took several years, involved painstaking work by a team of experts who carefully scanned and restored the original negatives to create a high-definition version of the film.
The re-release of Umrao Jaan is not only a celebration of the film’s cultural significance but also a testament to the power of Indian cinema to transcend time and continue to captivate audiences. The film’s themes of love, loss, and the human condition are universal and timeless, and its poetic elegance and depiction of Awadh’s culture continue to inspire and captivate audiences.
Umrao Jaan’s re-release in a digitally remastered 4K version is a significant event in the world of Indian cinema, and its return to the big screen is a celebration of the film’s enduring appeal. The film’s cultural significance and its ability to transcend time make it a must-watch for film enthusiasts and audiences of all ages.
News Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/delhi/1981-classic-umrao-jaan-returns-to-cinemas-in-digital-avatar/
