Pan India
release on 12th June 2009; DVD Release 12th August 2009
India|May'2009:In 1989, a visionary film was released in India,
made by then first time director 23 year old Aditya Bhattacharya (Bimal
Roy’s grandson and Basu Bhattacharya’s son) who was backed by a visionary
producer - 32 year old Asif Noor. The duo succeeded in bringing together a
truly inspired team of highly talented first time actors and technicians
who today rule the Hindi Film Industry.
Raakh was the début and unveiling of an actor
who today is unarguably one of the biggest super
stars of our times – Aamir Khan. 24 year old Aamir
had said, “I have worked very hard on this film
and invested my entire self and ability in it. … I
learnt a lot during its making.” While Raakh may
have not been his first release, it truly marked
Aamir Khan’s debut as an actor. Known for his
chocolate boy image initially, few are aware of
the fact that Aamir started his career with an
intense drama like Raakh.
Raakh was also the very first time for industry big wigs like – Santosh
Sivan, cinematographer extraordinaire – Sreekar Prasad, national award
winning editor of more than 70 films – well-known musician, Ranjit Barot –
director Sangeeth Sivan (as a executive producer). The film also starred
celebrated actor couple, Pankaj Kapoor and Supriya Pathak in key roles.
Pankaj Kapoor won National Award for Best Supporting Actor later that year
for Raakh. The film also brought a National Award for Best Editing for
Sreekar Prasad and A Best Directorial début Award for Aditya Bhattacharya
from the prestigious Bengal Film Journalist’s Association.
The film is now being revived and envisaged by the founders of Palador
Pictures, who are the brains behind the release strategy and restoration
of the film, consulting and advising Audacity International in an effort
to bring such independent cult cinema back. “I am really happy I found
Gautam and Mohan who convinced me that now is the time to re-release the
film across the country and I trust there vision.” – says Asif Noor, now
based in Dubai.
“Raakh” is undoubtedly one of the most influential voices from India
and it shaped my early fascination towards films that were non-bollywood.
It was tragic to see cult classics like this languishing and in a state of
neglect. Restoring and re-releasing Raakh across the world is not just a
passion but our duty towards cinema.” – says Gautam Shiknis, MD
and Founder of Palador Pictures. “What moves me about this film
is the fact that when I first saw it 20 years ago, it left a deep imprint
in my mind… When I got the opportunity to see it again recently it was as
If I was seeing all the classics that make Palador flash before my eyes. I
could see a lot of Wong Kar Wai’s style of photography, Jim Jarmusch’s
stillness and Tsai - Ming Lai’s characterisation. We are really excited to
present such a rare gem of Indian cinema its people again. This is exactly
the kind of film that Palador is looking for, to release in its The One
World Collection DVDs. Our DVDs were first of its kind bringing master
directors like Akira Kurosawa, François Truffaut and Godard; from all over
the world to the Indian masses. We will also be the first ones to revive
the independent film movement in India and Raakh is the perfect beacon to
begin with.” says Mohan Polamar, Co-founder & JMD of Palador
Pictures.
The film is expected to release on 12th June 2009 with 200 prints
across India.
Reachout's News Bureau
May' 2009
