Ritwik Ghatak’s Restored Classics to Shine at BFI Southbank in London

The restoration of Ghatak’s films has been carried out under the National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM), a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting dedicated to preserving India's audiovisual legacy.

India's efforts to preserve its cinematic heritage have reached a major milestone with the complete 4K restoration of legendary filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak's feature filmography. To celebrate the acclaimed director's birth centenary, the National Film Development Corporation–National Film Archive of India (NFDC-NFAI) has partnered with the British Film Institute (BFI) to present a special retrospective of his works at BFI Southbank in London from June 2026.

The landmark showcase will introduce international audiences to Ghatak's influential body of work through newly restored versions of his films, highlighting both his artistic vision and India's growing expertise in film preservation.

Complete Filmography Restored Under Heritage Mission

The restoration of Ghatak's films has been carried out under the National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM), a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting dedicated to preserving India's audiovisual legacy.

NFDC Managing Director Prakash Magdum described the project as a significant achievement in safeguarding India's cinematic treasures. He noted that the retrospective provides an important opportunity for global audiences and film professionals to experience Ghatak's work in the highest possible quality while also showcasing India's archival capabilities on the international stage.

The restoration team used original film elements preserved by NFDC-NFAI over several decades, with additional support from the West Bengal State Film Archive. The painstaking process was designed to ensure that each film remained faithful to Ghatak's original creative vision.

National Award-winning cinematographer Avik Mukhopadhyay supervised the colour grading process. He described the restoration journey as both challenging and rewarding, saying it offered a rare opportunity to closely study the craftsmanship of one of India's most original filmmakers.

London Retrospective to Feature Landmark Films

The BFI retrospective will present all eight of Ghatak's major narrative feature films in newly restored 4K versions.

Audiences will be able to watch classics such as Nagarik, Ajantrik, Bari Thekey Paliye, Meghe Dhaka Tara, Komal Gandhar, Subarnarekha, Titas Ekti Nadir Naam, and Jukti Takko Aar Gappo.

These films remain celebrated for their exploration of displacement, identity, social upheaval and human resilience. Ghatak's distinctive storytelling style and powerful visual language have influenced generations of filmmakers both in India and abroad.

The retrospective aims to provide a comprehensive look at his artistic journey and the themes that defined his career.

Rare Works and Documentaries Also Included

Beyond the feature films, the programme will showcase a wide range of Ghatak's shorter works, documentaries and rare projects, offering deeper insight into his creative contributions.

Among the titles scheduled for screening are Bihar Ke Darshaniya Sthan, Musafir, Fear, Rendezvous, Nagarik Sanrakshan, Scientists of Tomorrow, Yeh Kyun, My Lenin, Puruliar Chhau, Durbar Gati Padma, Heerer Prajapati, Chinnamul, Ramkinkar Baij, Rounger Golam, and Bagalar Banga Darshan.

The inclusion of these works will allow viewers to explore lesser-known aspects of Ghatak's filmography while gaining a fuller understanding of his contributions to Indian cinema.

The collaboration between NFDC-NFAI and the British Film Institute reflects a broader commitment to preserving and promoting India's film heritage on the world stage. Through restoration initiatives under the National Film Heritage Mission, many of the country's cinematic masterpieces are being given a new life and introduced to future generations of audiences around the globe.