Khamosh, 3 Idiots return to screen

Vidhu Vinod Chopra to launch first retrospective of his films after 30 years, spends crores to restore old prints. Apparently, the idea came from Ajay Bijli of PVR Cinemas in a meeting Chopra had with him during the launch of his Director’s Cut property in New Delhi.

Over the past decade or so, he has backed several blockbusters such as the Munnabhai series and 3 Idiots. But even before the big money spinners, filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra had provideghd fans with gritty films such as 1942: A Love Story (1994), Parinda (1989) and Khamosh (1985). Now, film aficionados have an opportunity to relish those productions again, thanks to a retrospective of his films.

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Starting March 29, Vinod Chopra Films (VCF) will celebrate a retrospective of their films made over the last 30 years. Apparently, the idea came from Ajay Bijli of PVR Cinemas in a meeting Chopra had with him during the launch of his Director’s Cut property in New Delhi. “I hadn't realised until then that we had completed three decades in filmmaking with only 10 films. Then, Ajay proposed that PVR would do a VCF festival. I was happy to accept,” says Chopra.

Starting from Naseeruddin Shah starrer Khamosh, the retrospective – that will be showcased across the nation till April 4 — will showcase all the films made under his banner including Parineeta (2005), Kareeb (1998), Munnbhai MBBS (2003), Lage Raho Munnabhai (2006) and 3 Idiots (2009).

Chopra has restored several of his films with new prints and digital sound: “We have invested several crores because the original negatives were in such a bad condition that it took over a year-and-a-half to get the job done. As the director, even I couldn’t believe these were the same ones I had made.”

VCF films retrospective will be showcased in PVR theatres in the city from March 29 to April 4. Tickets go on sale today.