Later this month, the Film Heritage Foundation (FHF) is set to host a film festival in commemoration of the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary screen icon, Dev Anand. Celebrated for his iconic roles in films like "Hum Dono," "Tere Ghar Ke Samne," "CID," and "Guide," the festival, aptly named 'Dev Anand@100 - Forever Young,' will pay tribute to him just before his birthday on September 26.

This grand two-day celebration, organized in collaboration with NFDC-NFAI (National Film Development Corporation Of India - National Film Archive of India) and PVR Inox, is scheduled for September 23 and 24. It will be a nationwide extravaganza, simultaneously taking place in 30 cities and across 55 cinema halls throughout India, as outlined in a recent press release.

The Film Heritage Foundation (FHF), spearheaded by filmmaker and archivist Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, has meticulously curated a selection of four of Dev Anand's cinematic gems for this special showcase. These timeless classics include "CID" (1956), "Guide" (1965), "Jewel Thief" (1967), and "Johny Mera Naam" (1970).

Enthusiastic audiences in a multitude of cities across India, including Jaipur, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Trivandrum, Chennai, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Kolkata, Guwahati, Indore, Nagpur, New Delhi, Gwalior, Rourkela, Kochi, and Mohali, will have the unique opportunity to relish these iconic films of Dev Anand. Thanks to the meticulous restoration work by NFCDC-NFAI, these movies will be presented in stunning 4K resolution on the grand cinema screens, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience. This initiative aims to bring Dev Anand's cinematic legacy to a new generation of moviegoers while paying homage to the legend himself. 

The organizers highlight that this marks a groundbreaking moment as it is the first instance of a government entity collaborating with a non-profit organization for a film festival of such magnitude. The meticulous restoration of these films, part of the 'Dev Anand@100 - Forever Young' event, was carried out as an integral component of the National Film Heritage Mission, with funding provided by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Suneil Anand, the filmmaker and son of Dev Anand, expressed his delight upon learning about the FHF's intentions to organize a film festival in honor of his father's centenary birthday.

"I personally like my dad's work, as the leading man, in Johny Mera Naam. I think this is because the character he played closely resembled his true personality. It was an ideal vehicle for him to showcase his histrionics, mannerisms, and his suave dressing sense.

"We wanted to honour his legacy by screening four of his milestone films. The films are among my personal favourites as I consider Goldie Anand (Vijay Anand) one of the most stylish directors of Indian cinema. The festival also marks an important collaboration between Film Heritage Foundation and NFDC-NFAI who have restored the four films and partnered with us to enable us to showcase these films," the FHF founder said in a statement.

"The Gregory Peck of India, as Dev Anand was often called, continues to be a beloved star, and we are thrilled that contemporary audiences will have the opportunity to watch some of the films that made him an enduring legend of Indian cinema," he added.

"Jewel Thief was another such film – it had the trappings and the look of slick Western and European cinema... I am sure the festival will be a big success and that contemporary audiences will rediscover the youthful magic of my father – who will stay forever young on the silver screen," he said.

In the ongoing tradition of the illustrious Dev Anand and the renowned Navketan Films, Suneil Anand is actively involved in the production of a Hollywood-themed movie titled "Vagator Mixer." This heartfelt project serves as a dedication to his father and is set for a global release in the near future.

Prithul Kumar, the Joint Secretary (Films) and Managing Director of NFDC, emphasized the significance of this endeavor. He stressed the importance of allowing the public to relive the magic of witnessing Dev Anand on the grand cinematic canvas, harking back to the glory days when he was an icon of the silver screen.

"Showcasing the restoration of Dev Anand's films on the occasion of his centenary, as a joint endeavour between both film archives, NFDC-National Film Archive of India and Film Heritage Foundation, along with our esteemed partners, INOX and PVR, is a testament to our shared commitment to preserving India's cinematic heritage. We aspire to sustain these collaborative efforts, to provide broader public access to the gems of Indian cinema, in the quality they are meant to be seen," Kumar said.

Tickets for the festival can be purchased on www.pvrcinemas.com.