Film enthusiasts and Bollywood aficionados are on the brink of a cinematic treat as news breaks of the restoration of a unique television film that marked the earliest on-screen appearance of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The film in question, “In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones,” directed by Pradip Krishen, is not only notable for featuring the debuts of future stars SRK and Manoj Bajpayee but is also recognized for its script penned by none other than the celebrated Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy, who also starred in it.
The 1989 television film, which reflects Roy’s time in the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi, is currently undergoing meticulous restoration by film archivist Shivendra Singh Dungarpur. This labor of love and dedication follows Dungarpur’s successful restoration of Shyam Benegal’s acclaimed movie “Manthan,” reported earlier by mid-day, which found its way to the upcoming 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
Shivendra Singh Dungarpur has voiced the complexities and intricacies involved in restoring such works, with copyright clearance as one of the challenging hurdles. Restoration, he notes, is a rare skill set that preserves the legacy and heart of cinema for future generations. This film, originally broadcast on Doordarshan, is his current professional endeavor.
“In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones” is a compelling college drama set a year before the Emergency in India. The film showcases the young Shah Rukh Khan in the role of a student nicknamed Senior and introduces Manoj Bajpayee in a supporting role. Khan, who would later rise to worldwide fame as the King of Bollywood, and Bajpayee, now an esteemed actor in Indian cinema, both started their illustrious careers in this very film. It comes as no surprise that the screenplay earned Arundhati Roy a National Award, underscoring her multifaceted talent.
The narrative of the film dances around the idiosyncrasies of college life, the aspirations, and struggles of students, wrapped up in a script that is both sharp and evocative. For many who have followed the careers of Shah Rukh Khan and Manoj Bajpayee, this film is a pivotal part of their filmic journey, offering a glimpse into their nascent acting abilities which have since captivated millions of fans.
As the restoration process nears completion, there is palpable anticipation for the re-release of this underrated gem. Dungarpur’s plans are to share it with cinephiles in a series of limited theatre screenings, giving a new generation of viewers the opportunity to experience the early work of these now-iconic figures.
The significance of preserving and re-releasing “In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones” cannot be overstated. Not only does it serve as an important document of the times, capturing the socio-political backdrop of the period it’s set in, but it also honors the early craftsmanship of actors and a writer who have since made indelible marks on Indian culture. It is a tribute to the transformative power of cinema and the endurance of art over decades.
With Dungarpur’s meticulous restoration, this cinematic piece is poised to reclaim its place in the annals of Indian film history, drawing attention to the early promise of those who participated in it. For fans of SRK, Manoj Bajpayee, and Arundhati Roy, as well as cinema historians and Indian movie enthusiasts, the re-release of “In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones” is a highly anticipated event, sure to provoke both nostalgia and renewed admiration for the film’s compelling storytelling and performances.
With a legacy that has grown more intriguing with time, the film stands as an exciting and culturally significant landmark that not only traces the origins of its stellar cast and writer but also encapsulates a rich era of Indian filmmaking. As the restoration concludes and the stage is set for its theatrical debut, audiences are eager to be part of this reverential journey through the halls of cinematic history.
