Aranyer Din Ratri to return to cinemas in 4K restored version

Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune will screen Aranyer Din Ratri, directed by Satyajit Ray, in a newly restored 4K print with English subtitles on January 9, 2026. The re-release comes after the film’s selection in the Cannes Classics section at the 2025 Festival de Cannes. Originally released over 55 years ago and adapted from Sunil Gangopadhyay’s novel, Aranyer Din Ratri follows four young men from Kolkata who take a trip into the forests of Jharkhand, only to encounter experiences that challenge their assumptions about class, privilege, and human relationships. The film features performances by Soumitra Chatterjee, Sharmila Tagore, Aparna Sen, and Simi Garewal. Critics have noted the film’s nuanced exploration of gender, morality, and social structures, themes that remain relevant today. Its blend of visual composition, storytelling, and ensemble acting has contributed to its status as a milestone in Indian cinema. Cultural commentators say the re-release offers an opportunity for younger audiences to experience Ray’s work on the big screen, while allowing earlier generations to revisit a landmark film. The screening will be part of wider efforts to preserve and reintroduce classic films in their original cinematic form.