Rajkumar Hirani’s ‘PK’ now in National Film Archive
Aamir Khan starrer PK got released during December 2014. It questioned the superstitions that have taken deep roots in our country. In the movie Aamir Khan played an alien who meets people of different character and religion, learns languages and learns more about life here, after losing his remote control that will take him back to his home planet.
Aamir visits various places of worship and slowly learns how many men of religion and faith use religion to flourish in their lives. It questioned superstitions and offered audience a critical look at religious practices in India.
The flick was directed by Rajkumar Hirani. Some criticized the film for “maligning Hinduism” and other religions but failed to understand that this movie offers a different perspective. It received the ire of many. Some even called for a ban. However the movie was a huge critical and commercial hit making 120 million dollars out of just 12 million dollar budget.
Today, National Film Archive of India (NFAI) has announced a significant addition of the original camera negative of PK in its collection. The director handed over the original camera negative of his 2014 film to the Director NFAI, Prakash Magdum, in Mumbai.
“It was important to preserve the negative and I am very happy that it would be preserved in NFAI at Pune. It is the duty of a filmmaker to ensure that the films are preserved and I appeal to all filmmakers to support NFAI in this important cause,” said Rajkumar Hirani on the occasion.
Director NFAI, Prakash Magdum, said, “We are happy to continue our association with Mr Hirani as his earlier acclaimed films are also being preserved at NFAI. It is wonderful to add PK in our collection, especially because it was shot on celluloid.” The transition from celluloid to digital in terms of production of films in India happened during 2013-14. Therefore, it is all the more important to have this film for preservation, Magdum added.
The original Negatives of Rajkumar Hirani‘s earlier films like Munnabhai MBBS (2003), Lage Raho Munnabhai (2006) and 3 Idiots (2009) are already being preserved at NFAI.
This is another instance to note that why we need filmmakers to retain freedom of expression in our country. What seems controversial now may seem to be right for posterity!