Anand Pandit Advocates For Re-Release Of Classic Films To Enlighten Youth

"Re-releasing classic films allows our youth to rediscover great cinema," says producer Anand Pandit. On International Youth Day, he discusses how showcasing vintage hits can enrich the younger generation's understanding of cinema.

Pandit highlights how screening older movies has brought joy to audiences who missed them during their original releases. He mentions how viewers danced during Amitabh Bachchan's 'Don', despite many being born after its release.

Pandit believes re-releasing classics can not only familiarise the young with their own cinematic legacy but also bring back into prominence films that deserve to be re-watched on the big screen. "In recent times, I have witnessed the euphoria in theatres when Amitabh Bachchan's iconic films including 'Don' were screened. Audiences were dancing in the aisles to 'Khaike paan Banaras wala' and many of these youth were not even born when the film was released in 1978," remarks Pandit and also recalls the palpable awe in theatres when films of Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand were screened some time back.

This year, 'Manthan', the third film in Shyam Benegal's rural trilogy, was screened in the Cannes Classics section to much acclaim. Interestingly, the other two films in Benegal's rural trilogy (Ankur and Nishant) had also been screened in the Competition category of the Festival De Cannes in the 70s. "'Manthan' was also released in May across India in over 100 theatres and many young people in the audience were struck by its cinematic beauty, its message of social inclusivity and the fact that 500,000 farmers had financed its production," says producer Anand Pandit.

Pandit also believes that thought-provoking films should be screened on occasions like International Youth Day (August 12) and adds, "Films like 'Shri-420' taught the post-independence generation to adhere to honesty and demonstrated what the consequences of losing personal integrity could be. More recently, films like 'Lakshya', '12th Fail' and many others have inspired the young to set goals and achieve them against all odds. I feel bringing back such films on the big screen will be a very positive step and as a producer and a cinema aficionado, I am committed to preserving and promoting India's glorious cinematic heritage."

On releasing relatively new films like 'Rockstar' and 'Jab We Met', he says, "I think it is a wonderful idea to bring back recent hits which audiences have loved. It gives the young a chance to relive memories of their favourite films and benefits the box-office as well. Many times, films like 'Kaagaz ke Phool' and 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro' that we now recognize as classics did not do too well in their time and it would be wonderful if such cult hits were screened once again. These classics will help a new generation of cinephiles deepen their appreciation of filmmaking and understand cultural and societal influences that shaped these masterpieces."

The veteran maker emphasises that re-releasing classic movies can familiarise today's youth with their rich cinematic history. He notes that this practice can revive interest in significant films deserving another viewing on large screens.

He points out that some now-celebrated movies didn't perform well initially but gained recognition over time. Re-screening such cult classics offers newer audiences an opportunity to appreciate these works fully.

By showing impactful movies on special days like International Youth Day, Pandit believes it can inspire younger generations. Films like 'Shri-420' taught important values post-independence while modern ones like 'Lakshya' motivate today's youth.

Bringing back beloved recent hits also allows younger viewers to relive cherished memories while boosting box-office returns. This practice bridges generational gaps through shared cinematic experiences.

Pandit's commitment lies in preserving India's rich film heritage by promoting classic cinema among today's youth. He sees this as a way for them to understand past societal influences through timeless storytelling.