Big reception to ray film Aranyer Din Ratri at cannes proves classic is always a classic

Restored version produced on the original of 56 years ago shows the reality valid as of today

- BY TIRTHANKAR MITRA

A deceptively simple tale of four city bred youth leaving behind the concrete jungle and slumming with a vengeance amidst the forests of Palamau in what was then Bihar turned out to be one of the finest films directed by Satyajit Ray -- Aranyer Din Ratri. When it was released 56 years ago, people made a beeline for the theatres in Kolkata, while critics were almost at a loss for words in its praise.

Of late, the release of its restored version at Bunuel theatre, Cannes during the current film festival, drew a full house. It was a clear pointer to the fact that class is permanent as restored films struggle for a big audience. The audience reaction after Ray's timeless work was screened at the classic section left no one in any doubt about the French cinephiles admiration. Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal were at the festival as resplendent representatives of the cast of the film.