‘Umrao Jaan’ and Other Hindi Classics to Shine at IFFI 2025 in Restored Glory
The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has announced a major cinematic celebration as Rekha’s iconic ‘Umrao Jaan’ returns to the big screen in a special classics showcase. The festival, being held in Goa from November 20 to November 28, 2025, will feature a slate of restored Hindi-language gems that have shaped generations of Indian cinema lovers.
Along with ‘Umrao Jaan’, other celebrated films such as ‘Gaman’, ‘Rudaali’, ‘Muraliwala’, ‘Party’, ‘Pyaasa’, ‘Susman’, ‘Kireedam’ and ‘Musafir’ have been restored under the NFDC–NFAI restoration initiative in collaboration with Prasad. These titles represent different eras, creative movements, and storytelling traditions that continue to influence Indian filmmaking today.
The restored versions will be screened at IFFI 2025 alongside more than 240 films from 81 countries, including world premieres and major international debuts. With a growing focus on technological innovation and archival preservation, this edition of IFFI stands out for its commitment to connecting India’s cinematic past with its future.
The special classics segment at IFFI 2025 brings back some of the most revered works of Hindi cinema. The headline attraction, ‘Umrao Jaan’ (1981), remains one of the most admired films of all time, remembered for its poetic storytelling, timeless music, and Rekha’s graceful performance. The film has continued to inspire actors, directors, and musicians for over four decades, making its restored screening a moment of nostalgia for longtime cinephiles and a discovery for new audiences.
The restoration lineup also includes films known for their sharp narratives and social depth. ‘Gaman’ reflects urban migration and human struggle; ‘Rudaali’ explores emotional labour and rural hardship; ‘Party’ and ‘Susman’ present layered commentaries on art and identity; while ‘Pyaasa’, widely regarded as one of the greatest films in world cinema, brings back Guru Dutt’s defining vision in renewed visual clarity.
The restoration work for all the selected films was carried out by Prasad’s technical team, known for its expertise in digital restoration, archival colour grading, and quality control workflows. The process ensures that every detail — from film grain to sound texture — is preserved with accuracy while staying true to the filmmakers’ original creative intent.
The NFDC–NFAI restoration initiative remains one of the most ambitious film preservation missions in India. In recent years, several classic Indian films have undergone digital restoration to protect them from deterioration and to introduce timeless storytelling to younger viewers. The initiative has helped bring notable works from various decades back into public conversation, creating a renewed respect for the craft of earlier filmmakers.
IFFI has historically served as an important platform for showcasing preserved and restored films. Over the past decade, the festival has featured multiple archival screenings that later gained global attention at film festivals in Europe and Asia. With the 2025 edition placing special emphasis on restoration, India’s commitment to safeguarding its cinematic heritage becomes even more visible.
This year’s festival also highlights a blend of culture and technology. IFFI 2025 includes new formats such as inflatable open-air theatres, immersive audience experiences, and a CinemAI hackathon that focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence and film. The initiative aims to bring young talent, creators, and tech innovators together under one roof.
In addition to the restored classics, IFFI 2025 will honour superstar Rajinikanth, recognising his 50-year journey in cinema. His influence across South Indian film industries and global fandom makes this tribute one of the most anticipated moments of the closing ceremony.
Film enthusiasts, industry insiders, and festival attendees have expressed excitement over the return of these iconic films. Many believe that classic screenings add depth to the festival, connecting current cinematic trends with the artistry of previous generations.
‘Umrao Jaan’, in particular, has been a fan favourite for decades. Its music, visual elegance, and emotional storytelling make it one of the most cherished Hindi films ever made. With the restored print being shown at IFFI, audiences expect to relive the film with improved visual clarity and enhanced sound design, especially important for a musical period drama.
‘Pyaasa’ is another significant highlight, often included in lists of the greatest films worldwide. Its restored version has been much awaited by cinephiles who appreciate the poetic brilliance and cinematic innovation that defined Guru Dutt’s filmmaking style. The film originally released in 1957 and has since remained a major influence on filmmakers across continents.
Meanwhile, films like ‘Rudaali’, ‘Gaman’, and ‘Kireedam’ bring back meaningful social narratives that shaped discussions in their time. The anticipation around these screenings reflects a wider interest in revisiting classic Indian cinema with modern visual quality.
For festival organisers, the showcase offers an opportunity to highlight the depth of Indian cinematic heritage. The renewed attention towards restoration comes at a time when film archival practices are gaining traction globally. Audiences at IFFI 2025 are expected to fill theatres for the classic screenings, reaffirming the power of timeless storytelling.
With the festival underway, the restored films will reach a wider audience both during and after IFFI. Several restored titles from previous editions have later been made available on curated streaming platforms, museum screenings, and international festival circuits. The current lineup may follow a similar path after its debut in Goa.
The NFDC–NFAI initiative will continue its restoration journey, with more classics expected to be announced in the coming year. As digital preservation becomes more advanced, older films stand a better chance of surviving the effects of aging prints, environmental damage, and outdated storage formats.
For fans of Hindi cinema, IFFI 2025 serves as a major treat, offering a high-quality viewing experience that blends nostalgia with modern restoration technology. The emotional appeal of these stories, the artistry of past generations, and the technical uplift through digital processes create a unique bridge between eras.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Classic cinema remains the heart of India’s cultural identity, and the restored screenings at IFFI 2025 reinforce the importance of preserving these masterpieces. The festival’s tribute to films like ‘Umrao Jaan’ and ‘Pyaasa’ highlights the power of cinematic memory and the timeless impact of storytelling. As audiences in Goa rediscover these gems, the celebration reminds us that great cinema never fades — it only grows stronger with every generation that watches it.