Mumbai: Hindi cinema milestone Umrao Jaan, starring Rekha, will be screened as part of a special showcase at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The festival will also present several other restored classics representing key creative voices in Indian filmmaking.
The selection includes Gaman, Rudaali, Muraliwala, Party, Pyaasa, Susman, Kireedam and Musafir. These titles have been restored under the ongoing NFDC–NFAI restoration initiative, executed in partnership with Prasad for IFFI in Goa. The films highlight a range of eras, aesthetics and social narratives that have shaped the evolution of Indian cinema and continue to resonate with audiences and filmmakers worldwide.
From the poetic beauty of Umrao Jaan to the emotional depth of Gaman, the sociopolitical impact of Rudaali, and the timeless lyricism of Pyaasa, each film has undergone detailed restoration. Prasad’s restoration teams used digital processes, colour grading and final mastering and quality checks to preserve visual texture and sound while staying true to the original creative intent.
Abhishek Prasad, Director and CTO at Prasad, said, “Restoring these films is both a responsibility and a privilege. Each title carries a part of India’s cultural memory, reflecting the craft and creativity of filmmakers who shaped our cinematic language. We aim to preserve these stories with the respect and technical excellence they deserve. Seeing them reach new audiences at IFFI is deeply meaningful.”
The 56th IFFI will run from November 20 to 28, 2025, presenting more than 240 films from 81 countries, including 13 world premieres and several international and Asian debuts. This year’s opening will feature a grand parade along the Mandovi river, departing from tradition.
The festival also highlights innovation with inflatable open-air theatres, a CinemAI hackathon and a platform dedicated to emerging “Creative Minds of Tomorrow.” The closing ceremony will honour Rajinikanth for completing 50 years in cinema, celebrating diverse global and regional storytelling.
Mumbai, Nov 20 (IANS) Hindi cinema milestone Umrao Jaan, starring Rekha, will be screened as part of a special showcase at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The festival will also present several other restored classics representing key creative voices in Indian filmmaking.
The selection includes Gaman, Rudaali, Muraliwala, Party, Pyaasa, Susman, Kireedam and Musafir. These titles have been restored under the ongoing NFDC–NFAI restoration initiative, executed in partnership with Prasad for IFFI in Goa. The films highlight a range of eras, aesthetics and social narratives that have shaped the evolution of Indian cinema and continue to resonate with audiences and filmmakers worldwide.
From the poetic beauty of Umrao Jaan to the emotional depth of Gaman, the sociopolitical impact of Rudaali, and the timeless lyricism of Pyaasa, each film has undergone detailed restoration. Prasad’s restoration teams used digital processes, colour grading and final mastering and quality checks to preserve visual texture and sound while staying true to the original creative intent.
Abhishek Prasad, Director and CTO at Prasad, said, “Restoring these films is both a responsibility and a privilege. Each title carries a part of India’s cultural memory, reflecting the craft and creativity of filmmakers who shaped our cinematic language. We aim to preserve these stories with the respect and technical excellence they deserve. Seeing them reach new audiences at IFFI is deeply meaningful.”
The 56th IFFI will run from November 20 to 28, 2025, presenting more than 240 films from 81 countries, including 13 world premieres and several international and Asian debuts. This year’s opening will feature a grand parade along the Mandovi river, departing from tradition.
The festival also highlights innovation with inflatable open-air theatres, a CinemAI hackathon and a platform dedicated to emerging “Creative Minds of Tomorrow.” The closing ceremony will honour Rajinikanth for completing 50 years in cinema, celebrating diverse global and regional storytelling.
