The nostalgia of watching classic Bollywood films on the big screen is making a comeback as cinemas struggle to attract audiences in the wake of the pandemic. Films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Laila Majnu are drawing crowds back to theaters, providing a sense of comfort and familiarity in uncertain times.
Zakia Rafiqi, a 26-year-old from Delhi, shared her emotional connection to Laila Majnu, a tragic love story set in Kashmir. She expressed how watching the film in the cinema made her feel like she was back home, driving through the streets of Kashmir with the characters on screen.
The re-releases of these classic films are not only providing a sense of nostalgia but also filling the void left by the lack of new Bollywood releases. Analysts like Taran Adarsh note that these re-releases are driven by the audience’s love for the films and their cult following, rather than heavy promotion.
In southern India, re-releases of films starring superstars like Chiranjeevi and Vijay are also drawing in crowds, driven by nostalgia and the connection to actors who are still popular today. Malayalam superstar Mohanlal’s films Devadoothan and Manichithrathazhu are running to packed cinemas in Kerala, showcasing the enduring appeal of these classics.
While streaming platforms offer convenience, the experience of watching a film in theaters with a group of people who share the same love for the movie is unmatched. As audiences continue to flock to cinemas for these re-releases, filmmakers are hopeful that this trend will pave the way for a resurgence in the industry.
Ultimately, the success of these re-releases is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the emotional connection that audiences have with these classic films. As Shruti Zende from Pune puts it, while she enjoys re-watching old favorites, she still looks forward to experiencing new stories on the big screen.
