Mumbai: PVR INOX, India’s largest and most premium cinema exhibitor, is set to celebrate the enduring legacy of legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray with the re-release of his iconic film Aranyer Din Ratri. The classic will return to the big screen in select cities on January 9, 2026, giving viewers the unusual opportunity to watch one of the most admired works of Indian cinema in theatres once again.
Widely regarded as the film that firmly placed Satyajit Ray among the greatest filmmakers of world cinema, Aranyer Din Ratri tells the story of four young men from the city who head out on a casual trip to the forests of Jharkhand. What starts as a way to escape their mundane urban lives gradually evolves into a self discovery journey as their perceptions of life, love, privilege and identity are challenged.
A Film That Still Feels Relevant
Originally released over 55 years ago, Aranyer Din Ratri is based on Sunil Gangopadhyay’s novel of the same name. The movie is also characterised by its multiple plot development and keen attention to human behaviour. It is an extraordinarily sensitive work that touches upon such issues as gender, class divide, and moral ambiguity, and emotional intricacy. Its social commentary comes across startlingly significant in the contemporary world even decades later.
The film boasts a powerful ensemble cast featuring Soumitra Chatterjee, Sharmila Tagore, Aparna Sen, and Simi Garewal. Their acts make the story more meaningful and lifelike, and the characters seem eternal and familiar. Shot beautifully and full of atmosphere, the film is one that is deeply touching.
Speaking about the re-release, Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist at PVR INOX Ltd., shared that bringing Aranyer Din Ratri back to theatres is both an honour and a joy. She noted that cinema serves as a living record of cultural memory and that Satyajit Ray’s films continue to speak across generations. She says that this re-release is a tribute to the legacy that Ray has left as well as giving younger audiences the opportunity to see the richness and brilliance of his work on the big screen.
Reviving Timeless Cinema for New Audiences
The re-release of Aranyer Din Ratri is part of PVR INOX’s ongoing effort to celebrate landmark films and extraordinary talent from India and across the world. By re-introducing such classics into theatres, the project brings about a unique chance to long time fans to have a relapse of their nostalgia and to a new generation to appreciate these masterpieces as they should be viewed.
The film is being re-released in association with Piyali Films, which holds the theatrical rights to Aranyer Din Ratri. Details of booking and theatres will be announced shortly and can be found on the PVR INOX official application and website.
