When Will Rekha's 'Umrao Jaan' Be Restored in 4K Resolution?

Mumbai, June 2 (NationPress) The legendary film ‘Umrao Jaan’, featuring Rekha, has undergone a remarkable restoration in 4K resolution and is poised to cast its enchanting spell on the big screen once more during the ongoing trend of re-releases in Hindi cinema.

Directed by the illustrious Muzaffar Ali, this cinematic gem is ready to reclaim its rightful place in our cultural landscape with an immersive theatrical revival starting on June 27.

In conjunction with its re-launch, Muzaffar Ali will also introduce a limited-edition coffee table book that provides an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes of ‘Umrao Jaan’. This extraordinary volume showcases unseen photographs, costume sketches, calligraphy, poetry, and personal stories from the set, making it a prized collector’s item and a heartfelt homage to the film's artistic vision.

On reflecting about the film’s return, Muzaffar Ali remarked, “‘Umrao Jaan’ was more than a film; it was a voyage into the essence of a lost culture, a forgotten tehzeeb. Through its themes of pain, poetry, and grace, we aimed to revive the elegance of an era where love and longing resonated in verse. The actors infused depth into their roles, with Rekha embodying Umrao Jaan in a way that truly immortalized the character. I am elated that this film is returning to the big screen for a new generation to experience a time and culture that is intrinsically part of our identity.”

This book, crafted for cinema enthusiasts, film students, and culture aficionados alike, will be launched concurrently with the film’s theatrical revival.

As a lyrical exploration of love, loss, and longing, Rekha’s portrayal of the courtesan-poetess remains one of the most celebrated performances in the annals of Indian cinema. She was honored with the National Film Award for Best Actress for her role in this film.

Speaking about the film's re-release, Rekha expressed, “‘Umrao Jaan’ is not merely a film I was part of; it lives within me and resonates through me even today. None of us could have foreseen the film's timelessness or how it would gently engrave itself into the soul of Indian cinema. Witnessing its return to theaters feels like an old love letter being unveiled for a new audience. My heart is brimming with joy.”

The 4K restoration was executed by NFDC-NFAI as part of the National Film Heritage Mission, an initiative led by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Prakash Magdum, MD of NFDC, stated, “For the restoration of ‘Umrao Jaan’, we collaborated with Muzaffar Ali for nearly a year. He played a key role in locating the original negatives, which should have been the ideal source for restoration. However, due to their deteriorating condition, we utilized a 35mm release print that has been preserved at NFAI for decades.”

“This scenario has been common for many recent restorations of Indian films, where the only viable sources have been archived at the National Film Archive of India. The color grading of the 4K restoration was overseen by Muzaffar Ali himself, and I am confident that film lovers will appreciate this restored cinematic treasure nationwide in theaters,” he added.

Screenings will commence across select PVR INOX cinemas in various cities starting June 27.