A timeless classic reborn: ‘Ghatashraddha’ returns to the screen
A cinematic revival at Venice Film Festival
The Venice Film Festival is set to host the world premiere of the restored version of Girish Kasaravalli’s 1977 Kannada-language debut feature, Ghatashraddha (“The Ritual”). This restoration is a collaborative effort between Martin Scorsese’s Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project and Shivendra Singh Dungarpur’s Film Heritage Foundation (FHF), with financial backing from George Lucas and Mellody Hobson’s Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation. This initiative brings the Indian classic back to international audiences 47 years after its initial release.
The story behind ‘Ghatashraddha’
Based on a novella by U.R. Ananthamurthy, Ghatashraddha narrates the poignant tale of Yamuna, a child widow living in her father’s religious school in southern India. Her life takes a tragic turn when she becomes pregnant by a local teacher, leading to her ostracism. The film’s title refers to a ritual where her father symbolically breaks an earthen pot, signifying her outcast status.
The restoration journey
The source element for the restoration was the original camera negative preserved at the National Film Development Corporation-National Film Archive of India. The negative was in poor condition, prompting urgent restoration efforts. Shivendra Singh Dungarpur expressed his concerns about the negative’s deterioration, emphasizing the need for timely intervention.
The restoration process faced numerous technical challenges. The original camera negative was plagued by mold, broken and fragile splices, tears, broken perforations, old tape residues, and scratches. The extensive repair work was undertaken by L’Immagine Ritrovata in Bologna.
Cinematic artistry and technical excellence
Ghatashraddha is renowned for its cinematography by S. Ramachandra and a compelling score by B.V. Karanth. The film stars Meena Kuttappa and Narayana Bhat. Throughout the restoration process, Girish Kasaravalli was actively involved, particularly in the grading of the black and white film, subtitling, and sound design. The sound design, layered and nuanced, posed significant challenges, especially due to a persistent hiss throughout the film.
When the 35mm dupe sound negative proved unsuitable due to distortion issues, the team sourced a 35mm print from the Library of Congress with higher quality audio. The final restored version left Kasaravalli overwhelmed, as he witnessed his debut feature come back to life with astonishing beauty after nearly five decades.
A proud moment for Indian cinema
Kasaravalli expressed his delight at the restoration of Ghatashraddha and its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. He looks forward to presenting the film in Venice, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
Future restoration projects
Looking ahead, the Film Heritage Foundation is set to restore Pradip Krishen’s 1989 cult film In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, written by and starring Arundhati Roy, and Mani Ratnam’s 1997 masterpiece Iruvar.
Reflections on the restoration process
The restoration of Ghatashraddha is a testament to the dedication and passion of those involved in preserving cinematic heritage. For cinema enthusiasts, this revival is not just about bringing an old film back to life; it’s about reconnecting with the cultural and historical contexts that shaped these stories. The meticulous efforts to restore the film’s visual and auditory elements ensure that contemporary audiences can experience the film as it was originally intended.
The significance of film restoration
Film restoration is an essential aspect of preserving our cultural heritage. It allows us to revisit and appreciate the artistic achievements of the past while ensuring that these works remain accessible for future generations. The restoration of Ghatashraddha highlights the importance of collaboration and support from various organizations and individuals dedicated to this cause.
For those passionate about cinema, the restoration of Ghatashraddha is a reminder of the timeless nature of storytelling and the enduring impact of visual art. It’s an invitation to explore the rich tapestry of human experiences and emotions captured on film, transcending time and geographical boundaries.
In the ever-evolving landscape of cinema, the restoration of classic films like Ghatashraddha serves as a bridge between the past and the present, offering a glimpse into the artistic and cultural heritage that continues to inspire and influence contemporary filmmakers and audiences alike.