Umrao Jaan in Theatres : A Timeless Tale Reaches a New Generation as it re-releases on June 27
Muzaffar Ali’s Umrao Jaan (1981), a landmark in Indian cinema, returns to theatres on 27 June, inviting both loyal admirers and curious new viewers to rediscover a film that has become synonymous with poetic storytelling and visual elegance.
Starring Rekha in a career-defining role, Umrao Jaan tells the story of a courtesan in 19th-century Lucknow. Rekha’s portrayal, supported by Shahryar’s soul-stirring poetry and Khayyam’s unforgettable music, left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. As it returns to the big screen, it offers a rare
opportunity to experience the film as it was meant to be seen: rich in detail, emotion, and classical artistry.
Director Muzaffar Ali, now in his late 70s, is embracing this moment not just with a re-release, but with a luxurious coffee-table book chronicling the film’s journey. “The book is about the essence of that era, the effort behind every frame,” he told India Today. “It celebrates the film in ways we couldn’t when it first released.”
Ali has preserved an extensive archive of 40 to 50 trunks of costumes, textiles, and props from the original production, items he hopes to house in a museum someday. He laments the loss of historical locations, many of which were painstakingly restored for the film, only to be neglected in later years.
Umrao Jaan in Theatres :
The re-release also comes at a poignant moment: Kathak legend Kumudini Lakhia, who choreographed the film’s graceful dance sequences, passed away recently. Ali pays tribute to her in the book, calling her contribution “poetry in motion.”
With Umrao Jaan, Ali brought together icons from art, literature, design, and cinema, a creative collaboration that is increasingly rare today. As the film returns, it not only revives a classic but also reignites conversation about preserving India’s cultural and cinematic heritage.
