PVR INOX & NFDC-NFAI Collaborate To Restore A Classic
The beautiful sounds and timelessness of Muzaffar Ali’s Umrao Jaan return to the cinema screen. Rekha’s National Award-winning performance of the iconic courtesan re-emerges in a breathtakingly restored 4K version in select cinemas from June 27. The restoration of Umrao Jaan was made possible through collaboration between NFDC-NFAI and PVR INOX under the Timeless Classics banner.
A Special Salute To Rekha’s Film Legacy
Umrao Jaan (1981) is more than just a film — it is poetry on film. With Khayyam’s incredible music, complemented by Shahryar’s poignant lyrics, songs like “Dil Cheez Kya Hai”, “Justuju Jiski Thi”, and “In Aankhon Ki Masti” have transcended generations.
Upon reflecting back to be re-released in cinemas, Rekha noted:
“Umrao Jaan lives inside of me, breathes through me, even now. At that time not one of us imagined there would be timelessness to the film. That it is coming back to the big screen is like unsealing an old love letter for a new generation.”
Muzaffar Ali Curates A Rare Collector’s Coffee Table Book
As well as the re-release, filmmaker Muzaffar Ali will also introduce a coffee table book showcasing the essence of the film — a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes stories, images, sketches of costumes, poetry and calligraphy from the sets of Umrao Jaan.
“It was not a film; it was a journey – into the soul of a once forgotten tehzeeb,” said Muzaffar Ali. “Rekha immortalised Umrao, and I am so happy that this generation can now see her mesmerism in restored cinematic splendour.”
Restoration Journey of Umrao Jaan Led By NFDC-NFAI
Shri Prakash Magdum, Managing Director, NFDC, indicated that the restoration journey took almost a year.
“With no usable negatives, we worked off a well-preserved 35mm print, collecting from NFAI’s films. The colour grading was overseen by Muzaffar Ali personally, to preserve the original tonality of the film.”
The re-release is part of a National Film Heritage Mission called for by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Re-Release Date
Audiences across the country can begin to watch this masterpiece in selected PVR INOX cinemas starting June 27, 2025! For viewers, whether they are experiencing the movie again or for the very first time, Umrao Jaan offers a poetic, elegant, and unfulfilled journey.
Box Office Worldwide Verdict
In an age of massy content and rapid storytelling, Umrao Jaan’s return in 4K is a lyrical interlude — a reminder that eternal cinema does not age. With its re-release, Umrao Jaan will evolve into a celebration of storytelling in the most poetic and passionate way possible. No one has, or will ever, match Rekha’s Umrao — and now an eternal watch in restored glory.
Stay tuned with us for the latest news, Hindi box office news, Hollywood news, OTT news, the latest Bollywood news and the latest box office news.
