This year marks the golden jubilee of 27 Down, a film that has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Directed by Awtar Krishna Kaul, 27 Down is a classic of the New Wave Cinema movement of the 1970s. The film was recently screened at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa to celebrate its 50th anniversary1. However, the journey of this film has been bittersweet, filled with both triumphs and tragedies.
SOURCE : ZEE
27 Down was Awtar Krishna Kaul’s directorial debut and remains his only film. Based on Ramesh Bakshi’s Hindi novel Athara Sooraj Ke Paudhe, the film tells the story of Sanjay, a railways employee who dreams of becoming an artist but is forced to take up a job to support his family. His life takes a turn when he meets Shalini, a LIC agent, on the Bombay-Varanasi Express2. The film explores themes of urban alienation and personal sacrifice, making it a significant piece of cinema.
Source:- bbc news
The film was a critical success and won two National Film Awards in 1974 for Best Feature Film in Hindi and Best Cinematography. However, the very day the awards were announced, tragedy struck1. Awtar Krishna Kaul drowned in the sea near Mumbai in an accident, and despite being rescued, he could not be saved. He was only 35 years old1. This was a major blow to his family and the film industry, as Kaul never got to witness the accolades his directorial debut received.
Vinod Kaul, Awtar’s nephew, shared his memories of the director, describing him as ambitious and focused despite the family’s humble background. Awtar studied filmmaking at the City University of New York before returning to India in 1970 and working as an assistant director for Merchant Ivory Productions1. Encouraged by the chairman of the Film Finance Corporation (now National Film Development Corporation), he set out to make his first film.
The recent screening of the restored version of 27 Down at IFFI was an emotional moment for Vinod and others who knew Awtar. However, the film’s cinematographer, Apurba Kishore Bir, expressed disappointment with the restored print, citing issues with the tonal range and gradation1. Bir, who has shot landmark movies such as Gharonda (1977) and Dooriyaan (1979), felt that the restoration did not do justice to the original work.
Despite the mixed feelings about the restoration, 27 Down continues to be celebrated as a significant contribution to Indian cinema. The film’s legacy lives on, reminding us of the talent and vision of Awtar Krishna Kaul and the impact he made in a short span of time.
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