The National Film Archive of India (NFAI) on Friday said that they have added the 1954 drama film Ratha Kanneer, which talks about leprosy, to their collection of old classic films.
Directed by Krishnan-Panju and written by Thiruvarur Thangarasu, the yesteryear film became a powerful source of progressive thought in India at the time. Based on Thangaraj's play of the same name, the film stars MR Radha reprising his role from the play as the lead. Sriranjani, SS Rajendran, Chandrababu, MN Rajam and SR Janaki took on supporting roles.
The film revolves around Mohanasundaram (MR Radha) who returns from abroad as a rich man, carrying within himself western ideals and shows arrogance and contempt towards anything part of Indian culture and anyone below his social standards. Although he is married, he loses his mind and surrenders his riches to Kantha (MN Rajam), a sex worker. Later, his life turns topsy turvy as he gets affected by leprosy. The film highlighted issues such as caste discrimination, blind faith, and ritualistic practices, and also addressed social stigma around the disease which was widely affecting people back then.
Aparna Subramaniam, Film Research Officer at Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), today donated a copy of film material, including eight jumbo reels in 35mm format from her personal collection, to Prakash Magdum, the Managing Director of National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), in Pune, according to a press release issued by PIB. Noting that she acquired the film from her old circle of film collectors and distributors in south India, Aparna said, "It truly belongs at the NFAI for preservation, archiving, and future restoration."
NFDC Managing Director Prakash Magdum said that despite its immense cultural and historical significance, no film archive in India or internationally possesses a print or original negative of this historic film.
"The only versions available today are low-resolution copies circulating on online platforms. Therefore, acquiring this film is crucial for its long-term preservation and accessibility to the public," Magdum said in a statement, and appealed to film enthusiasts to come forward and donate films and other memorabilia for preservation at the NFAI.