The National Film Archive of India (NFAI) has added the rare and socially significant Tamil film Ratha Kanneer (1954) to its collection, marking an important step in preserving India’s cinematic heritage. Directed by Krishnan Panju and written by Thiruvarur Thangarasu, the film is regarded as a landmark work of progressive Indian cinema.
The film material was donated by Aparna Subramaniam, Film Research Officer at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), who presented eight jumbo reels in 35mm format from her personal collection to Prakash Magdum, Managing Director, National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), in Pune.
Starring theatre legend MR Radha, Ratha Kanneer was pathbreaking for its bold engagement with social issues such as caste discrimination, blind faith, ritualistic practices, and the stigma surrounding leprosy. The film also advocated progressive ideas including widow remarriage, making it a powerful reflection of reformist thought in 1950s India.
Emphasising the importance of the acquisition, Prakash Magdum noted that no film archive in India or abroad currently holds an original print or negative of the film, with only low-resolution versions available online. He highlighted the critical need for preservation and appealed to film collectors and enthusiasts to contribute to NFAI’s archival efforts.
Expressing her delight, Aparna Subramaniam said the film belongs at the NFAI, where it can be preserved, archived, and potentially restored for future generations.
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