The 78th Cannes Film Festival witnessed a historic moment as the 4K restored version of Satyajit Ray’s 1970 classic, Aranyer Din Ratri, was screened under the Cannes Classics section. The film, which explores themes of urban escapism, class dynamics, and self-discovery, received a standing ovation from the audience, reaffirming Ray’s enduring legacy in world cinema.
Veteran actors Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal, who were part of the original ensemble cast, attended the screening alongside acclaimed filmmaker Wes Anderson, a long-time admirer of Ray’s work. The restoration was spearheaded by Martin Scorsese’s The Film Foundation, in collaboration with Film Heritage Foundation, Janus Films, and The Criterion Collection.
The film follows four young men from Calcutta who retreat to the forests of Palamau (now Jharkhand) for a carefree holiday, only to undergo a journey of self-reflection and transformation. Adapted from Sunil Gangopadhyay’s novel, Aranyer Din Ratri was originally nominated for Best Film at the 20th Berlin International Film Festival in 1970.
Tagore, who last attended Cannes in 2009, expressed her emotional connection to the film, recalling the challenging shooting conditions in the forests of Bihar. The screening was described as a moving tribute to Ray’s cinematic brilliance, with audiences praising the film’s timeless storytelling and nuanced performances.
The restoration project took six years to complete, ensuring that Ray’s masterpiece could be experienced by a new generation of cinephiles. The overwhelming response at Cannes highlights the global significance of Indian cinema and the importance of film preservation.
With its universal themes and artistic depth, Aranyer Din Ratri continues to captivate audiences, proving that Ray’s vision remains as relevant and powerful today as it was 55 years ago.
