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Rare 1954 Tamil Film Added to National Archive
3 Jan
Summary
- A rare 1954 Tamil film, 'Ratha Kanneer', is now part of the National Film Archive of India.
- The film was donated by an FTII officer from her personal collection of eight reels.
- Restoration may take two to five months depending on the film's condition.
The National Film Archive of India (NfAI) has acquired a rare 35mm copy of the 1954 Tamil film "Ratha Kanneer." This significant addition underscores the ongoing efforts to preserve cinematic history from being lost. The film was donated by Aparna Subramanyam, a film research officer at FTII, who contributed eight jumbo reels from her personal collection.
According to Prakash Magdum, managing director of the National Film Development Corporation, archiving is a continuous process. He emphasized the importance of outreach to production houses and individual collectors, as film deposition is not mandatory in India. Magdum noted that many collectors preserve films out of passion, but their fate often becomes uncertain after their passing, making archival efforts crucial for future generations.
"Ratha Kanneer," starring M.R. Radha, is lauded for its satirical tone and bold themes relevant even today. The film will undergo a thorough technical assessment, including cleaning and preservation steps. NFAI plans to explore digital restoration to enhance picture and sound quality while respecting the original film's integrity. Once restored, the film will be accessible for screenings, research, and wider audiences.
