PVR INOX, India’s leading cinema chain, is bringing back a restored version of Parineeta to mark its 20th anniversary. The romantic drama, adapted from Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1914 Bengali novel, has been restored by Prasad Film Labs. Vinod Chopra Films has undertaken the process of restoring its entire film library in 8K resolution, with remastered sound in 5.1 surround. The project, which took over four years, also includes work being done at L’Immagine Ritrovata in Bologna, Italy, a renowned film restoration lab.
Saif Ali Khan gets nostalgic on working with Vidya Balan and Pradeep Sarkar in Parineeta; says, “Parineeta will always remain close to my heart for many reasons, it was one of the most beautifully shot films I’ve been in”
Reflecting on the film and talking about Pradeep Sarkar Saif Ali Khan said, “There’s something about seeing a film like Parineeta on the big screen and I’m excited to see how audiences react. Parineeta will always remain close to my heart for many reasons, it was one of the most beautifully shot films I’ve been in. Pradeep Sarkar, who we miss dearly today, is one of the artistic directors I have worked with. He took so much care over every frame and brought so much beauty to that film. Vidya very kindly recently messaged me and told me that you can feel dada in every frame and I completely agree and we miss him. It’s a wonderful testament to him to have this film released because when your work speaks for you like that, it’s a monument to remember him by and that’s what I would like to remember him as.”
Talking about his character and Vidya Balan, he added, “At the time I did Parineeta it felt very different from the kind of roles I was offered. Playing Shekhar was a challenge since he wasn’t the usual romantic hero that I was used to play but he was flawed, sometimes difficult and vulnerable and his journey was one of self-discovery. That gave me a chance to step into a more nuanced space as an actor and I found that deeply rewarding, it was a more classic role, based on Sarat Chandra’s novel. It is that one performance where I channelled the class of the tiger and played it like that… I love my work in that film !!!”
Working with Vidya was amazing she was extraordinary for her first movie, she brought so much grace and poetry and freshness to the role. This film is testament to her talent; she was simply phenomenal in it. The whole cast was amazing. The set design and atmosphere transported us into an old Kolkata that doesn’t exist anymore but a place that my mother would remember, and one of the most beautiful, artistic places in the world. A Kolkata that in part maybe doesn’t exist anymore, that’s what makes the film more nostalgic.
Talking about the music and the outfits of the film, he further added, “The music too was phenomenal, I got to see Sonu Nigam singing and I became aware of what a wonderful singer he is, in this movie. I had heard him before but this is the first time I saw the minute variations he was bringing with his voice and heard him being directed and responding. Shantanau Moitra of course did fantastic music, I’ve got a record of the music which is the best way of hearing it and it takes me back. Parineeta means so much to me, being in a kurta and dhoti, and playing the guitar on the Hooghly River is one of the most lyrical images in my mind. It’s one of great things about being an actor, where you get to create these things that can last for a very long time.
Additionally talking about filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra he said, “Thank you to Mr. Vinod Chopra for offering me this part, he has been an amazing producer because of the various contributions he had to me personally as well as professionally. When I’ve done good work he has been a big support and encouragement, also at this particular time he was a personal support too in many many ways and an important part of my career. I would like to thank him for giving me this film and making the film for all of us and creating the environment for it to happen!”
Even after two decades, Parineeta remains admired for its storytelling, performances, and music. The film, which earned multiple National and Filmfare Awards, is especially remembered for its soundtrack and strong lead performances. The restored version is being screened across select theatres in India for one week, starting today, August 29, 2025.
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More Pages: Parineeta Box Office Collection
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