The 4K restoration of the landmark 1953 film “Do Bigha Zamin” by renowned director Bimal Roy is set to have its world premiere at this year’s Venice Film Festival, specifically in the Classics section. This restoration project, led by Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, director of the Film Heritage Foundation, highlights the enduring relevance of the film, which has touched audiences for over seven decades.
Dungarpur emphasizes the film’s importance, noting its influence on Indian cinema during a pivotal era. “Bimal Roy made ‘Do Bigha Zamin’ two years before Satyajit Ray’s ‘Pather Panchali,’” he explained. “Ray acknowledged that Roy was able to sweep aside the cobwebs of old tradition and introduce a realism and subtlety suited to the cinema.” The film’s exploration of humanism and compassion resonates deeply today, addressing issues faced by marginalized communities, migrant laborers, and the ongoing urban-rural divide.
Challenges of Restoration
The restoration, completed in collaboration with Criterion Collection and Janus Films, presented significant technical challenges over a three-year period. Dungarpur revealed that the original camera negative held at the National Film Archive of India was incomplete and in poor condition. A search through archives led to the discovery of a complete 35mm combined dupe negative from the British Film Institute, dating back to 1954-1955.
Audio restoration posed additional difficulties, as many sound sections were missing or distorted. “A lot of work had to be done to restore the sound,” Dungarpur noted. The film, inspired by the Italian classic “Bicycle Thieves,” portrays the struggles of a poor farmer who becomes a rickshaw-puller in the city to save his land from a greedy landlord. Dungarpur draws parallels between the Italian neo-realist movement and Indian social realism, highlighting the impact of post-war circumstances on both cinematic styles.
Significance of “Do Bigha Zamin”
“Do Bigha Zamin” marked a departure from the studio-bound traditions of Indian cinema. According to Dungarpur, “Until ‘Do Bigha Zamin,’ films were typically shot in studios, characterized by melodrama and mannered acting.” Roy’s innovative approach demonstrated that films could be authentically shot in real locations, capturing the essence of street life and societal issues.
The restoration aligns with the Film Heritage Foundation’s mission to preserve endangered Indian cinema across various languages and regions. Recent projects include the restoration of notable films such as “Maya Miriga” (1984) and “Manthan” (1976). Dungarpur expressed his commitment to restoring Roy’s works, stating that films like “Madhumati,” “Bandini,” and “Devdas” are milestones in Indian cinema.
This collaboration with Criterion and Janus ensures that “Do Bigha Zamin” reaches international audiences with the appropriate context and presentation. Dungarpur expressed gratitude for their involvement, stating, “I am glad that Criterion Collection/Janus Films agreed to come on board to restore and distribute the Bimal Roy films.” He praised their commitment to quality restoration and the presentation of classic cinema, which attracts new audiences and preserves the legacy for future generations.
The film will be presented at the Venice Film Festival by Roy’s family members, including his daughters Rinki Roy Bhattacharya and Aparajita Roy Sinha, as well as his son Joy Bimal Roy and Dungarpur.
Looking ahead, the Film Heritage Foundation plans a series of restorations, including John Abraham’s Malayalam film “Amma Ariyan” (1986) and Kamal Amrohi’s “Pakeezah” (1972). The restored “Do Bigha Zamin,” which won the Prix International at Cannes in 1954, serves as both a historical artifact and a contemporary reflection of society. Dungarpur encapsulates its essence: “At the heart of both neo-realist films and social realism in Indian cinema lies a humane and compassionate view of humanity and its frailties.”
Founded in 2014, the Film Heritage Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Mumbai, dedicated to the preservation and restoration of film, with a growing collection of 700 films and 200,000 pieces of film-related memorabilia.
