New Delhi, Sept. 12 -- Interest in film restoration is gaining momentum, but its commercial impact remains uncertain. In recent months, a number of re-releases, from Guru Dutt's iconic films to Rekha's Umrao Jaan, have been screened in theatres. These efforts, backed by government initiatives like the National Film Heritage Mission and executed by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the National Film Archive of India (NFAI), aim to preserve cinematic heritage and attempt to introduce it to new audiences.

This August, as part of Guru Dutt's centenary celebrations, Ultra Media & Entertainment Group presented a theatrical retrospective of his films, including Pyaasa, Aar Paar, Chaudhvin Ka Chand, Mr. & Mrs. 55, and Baaz, re...