The 4K restored version of Raj Kapoor’s Awara (1951) will have its world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), 2024. National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) has undertaken the restoration of the classic film as December 2024 marks the centenary of the legendary filmmaker-actor. The film will be screened on September 13 under the TIFF classics section.
Sharing few screengrabs from the restored version of the film, NFDC made the announcement and wrote, “Get ready for a cinematic milestone! The world premiere of the 4K restoration of Raj Kapoor’s timeless classic Awara is set to take place at the Toronto International Film Festival 2024, under the prestigious TIFF Classics section. This meticulous restoration, undertaken by NFDC - National Film Archive of India, brings the magic of Awara back to life.”
They added, “The color grading has been expertly supervised by Kunal Kapoor, adding a modern touch while preserving the film's essence. This project is part of the National Film Heritage Mission and is proudly funded by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, India. Awara is one of several iconic Raj Kapoor films being restored to honor his centenary in December 2024. Catch the screening at TIFF on 13th September 2024 and witness the legacy of Indian cinema in stunning 4K.”
Considered as a classic, the film told the story of Raj, a vagabond who roams on the streets of Mumbai and gets involved in a life of crime. He tries to transform himself through love but is accused of committing a murder which pulls him to court. The film was produced and directed by Raj Kapoor and written by Khwaja Ahmed Abbas. It also starred Nargis and Raj’s father, Prithviraj Kapoor in pivotal roles.
