"I would like to see Vanaprastham, Vasthuhara and Kaalapani restored," Mohanlal's note on preserving film heritage

In a recent conversation with Film Heritage Foundation, veteran Malayalam actor Mohanlal voiced his deep concerns about the alarming loss of Kerala's film heritage, while welcoming the upcoming Film Preservation & Restoration Workshop India (FPRWI 2024), set to take place in Thiruvananthapuram from November 7 to 14. Reflecting on his long and illustrious career spanning nearly 50 years, the Drishyam actor acknowledged the tragic fate of many films he has starred in, pointing out that searching for their negatives or even prints would be a difficult task today.

"We have neglected our film heritage in Kerala for far too long, and as a result, we've lost so many of our fabulous films," Mohanlal remarked. He further highlighted how crucial it is to preserve original camera negatives, noting that these deteriorate over time if not properly stored. The actor, whose most films were shot on celluloid, also added, "A workshop of this kind is truly welcome and much needed in our state to preserve our films and make people aware of its significance to Kerala." During his discussion with Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, the founder of the Film Heritage Foundation, Mohanlal expressed a personal desire to see three of his iconic films restored. "There are three of my films I would really like to see them restored—Vanaprastham, Vasthuhara and Kaalapani."

Vanaprastham (1999), a Cannes-selected drama, explores the life of a Kathakali artist, while Vasthuhara (1991) delves into post-partition refugee struggles. Kaalapani (1996) is a historical epic set in colonial India. The 2K restored version of Vasthuhara was screened at the 28th International Film Festival of Kerala, while Vanaprastham and Kaalapani are yet to be restored.

Mohanlal also highlighted the resounding response to the rerelease of his classics, including Spadikam, Manichithrathazhu, and Devadoothan, which were restored in 4K resolution with Dolby Atmos sound. These successes, he believes, underscore the importance of preservation. Though the actor's schedule prevents the actor from attending the sessions, he hopes that people from Kerala and across the country will participate in the workshop to learn the art and science of saving India’s cinematic treasures. "Today's films will be tomorrow's heritage, so let's start saving our films now before it is too late," Mohanlal urged, in a heartfelt plea to protect the legacy of cinema.

The FPRWI 2024, taking place at Vyloppilly Samskrithi Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram, is organised by the Film Heritage Foundation in collaboration with the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF). The seven-day workshop will provide lectures and hands-on sessions on various aspects of audio-visual preservation, including film restoration and disaster recovery, and will feature faculty from prestigious institutions such as the British Film Institute and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.