Raj Kapoor was very famous in the Soviet Union. His films made Indian films popular in the Soviet Union. His famous film Awara sold 64 million tickets. This film was shown in Soviet cinemas many times in different years. Russian lady Yuri Gagarin called him Comrade Brodyaga (awara).
As part of the centenary celebrations of the eminent actor and director Raj Kapoor, 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) paid tribute to the legend at a special session attended by Ranbir Kapoor, grandson of the iconic Raj Kapoor, and veteran filmmaker Rahul Rawail. The session was a captivating exploration of Raj Kapoor’s monumental contribution to Indian cinema, his lasting impact, and the enduring legacy of his works.
Ranbir Kapoor, reflecting on his grandfather’s extraordinary influence, underlined that Raj Kapoor’s films transcend time and borders. He emphasized how his grandfather’s works, such as Awara, Mera Naam Joker, and Shree 420, had a universal appeal, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide, from Russia to India.
Highlighting the relevance of Raj Kapoor’s films, Ranbir noted how the themes of Awara addressed casteism, while Shree 420 delved into greed and ambition. Later films such as Prem Rog and Ram Teri Ganga Maili were praised for their moral narratives on women’s issues and societal challenges, underscoring Raj Kapoor’s vision as a filmmaker ahead of his time.
Ranbir also discussed ongoing efforts to restore Raj Kapoor’s films, in collaboration with National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), National Film Archives of India (NFAI), and the Film Heritage Foundation. He revealed that ten of Raj Kapoor’s films have already been restored, with plans for their release across India in December 2024. He stressed upon the importance of preserving and celebrating the cinematic genius of Raj Kapoor, in recognition of his contributions being foundational to Indian cinema.
