New Delhi: The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is set to celebrate the illustrious legacies of four icons who helped shape Indian cinema: Raj Kapoor, Tapan Sinha, Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), and Mohammed Rafi. Through a series of screenings, tributes, and interactive events, this year’s IFFI will offer a heartfelt homage to these cinematic legends, bringing their contributions to life for a new generation.
NFDC-NFAI Restored Classics Take Center Stage
In a special highlight, IFFI will showcase digitally restored versions of select films from each legend, meticulously revived by the National Film Development Corporation and the National Film Archive of India. This effort allows audiences to experience the cinematic grandeur of films like Awaara, Harmonium, Devadasu, and Hum Dono in vivid clarity.
Raj Kapoor’s Awaara, renowned for its empathy and humor, will be presented in a restored version that honors Kapoor’s legacy of capturing the spirit of the common man. Tapan Sinha’s Harmonium, celebrated for its nuanced storytelling, will also be screened, giving audiences a chance to reconnect with the cinematic depth that defines Sinha’s work.
Adding to the experience is the restored Devadasu, where ANR’s portrayal of the tragic hero is magnified, preserving his iconic performance in one of Telugu cinema’s most cherished films. Rounding out this cinematic journey is Hum Dono, brought to life with enhanced audio that revives Mohammed Rafi’s timeless songs, celebrating his profound impact on Indian cinema.
Honouring Legends: Screenings, Discussions, and Special Features
The festival’s opening ceremony will feature a grand tribute performance, coupled with an audiovisual presentation highlighting the lives and cinematic contributions of these legends. The tribute extends through panel discussions and in-conversation sessions with family members and esteemed guests, sharing personal insights into how these icons influenced Indian cinema.
As a special mark of honor, IFFI will unveil a MY STAMP dedicated to each of these luminaries, a symbolic gesture of their indelible impact on Indian culture. Special bilingual brochures will be available for attendees, encapsulating the achievements and journeys of these cinematic greats as keepsakes.
A Musical Journey: Caravan of Songs and Curated Exhibits
For fans of classic Indian cinema, IFFI will present Caravan of Songs, featuring 150 of Raj Kapoor and Mohammed Rafi’s songs, and 75 songs by Tapan Sinha and ANR. This tribute will allow audiences to immerse themselves in the melodies that have defined generations.
IFFI will also showcase a curated exhibition, displaying rare memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts from the lives of these legends, offering fans a tangible connection to their contributions to Indian cinema.
Engaging Experiences and a Unique Sand Art Tribute
The festival will feature thematic activities, digital displays, quizzes, and immersive events throughout the Entertainment Arena, engaging audiences with the stories and legacies of these cinematic icons. Each personality will have a dedicated day with activities to honor their contributions.
In a moving tribute, Padma Shri Awardee and renowned sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik will create a special sand art illustration at Kala Academy, celebrating the centenary of these legends and honoring their artistic journey.
A Festival of Inspiration
IFFI’s celebrations extend beyond film screenings, creating an interactive platform that connects audiences with the timeless legacies of Raj Kapoor, Tapan Sinha, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, and Mohammed Rafi. Through art, discussions, and immersive activities, the festival seeks to inspire and share the joy of cinema with audiences worldwide, paying homage to those who continue to shape and inspire the world of film.
The 55th IFFI promises not just to honor cinema’s past but to inspire the future, highlighting the lasting influence of these legends on Indian cinema and their enduring impact on audiences and artists alike.