Classic films are more than entertainment: Prakash Magdum at WAVES summit

Mumbai: Classic films are more than entertainment as they are a reflection of our collective cultural identity and heritage, said Prakash Magdum, Additional Director General, Press Information Bureau and Central Bureau of Communication, Ahmedabad.

“Indians are deeply nostalgic. While the older generation seeks to relive the magic of their youth, the younger generation is eager to experience the classics they’ve heard so much about. Film restoration is a meticulous process involving multiple stakeholders, but with cutting-edge technology, we're able to stay true to the original vision,” Magdum said at the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) at the Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai.

He further elaborated on the ambitious National Film Heritage Mission, an initiative led by the Government of India aimed at preserving, digitising, and restoring cinematic treasures.

“Classic films are more than entertainment—they are a reflection of our collective cultural identity and heritage. The challenge is enormous, especially with factors like temperature and humidity affecting film reels, and the growing complexities of digital data preservation. Yet, this responsibility must be met with urgency and dedication,” flagged Magdum during a panel discussion titled “Beyond Nostalgia: The Business of Restored Classics”.

Curated under the expert moderation of renowned film trade analyst Taran Adarsh, the session brought together industry stalwarts to deliberate on the significance, challenges, and future of restoring cinematic gems for contemporary audiences.

The conversation opened with Kamal Gianchandani, a key voice in the film exhibition and distribution space, who emphasized the urgent need to make classics accessible on digital platforms. “So many of our films disappear from public memory because they aren’t readily available. Audiences constantly tell us they want to revisit the classics,” he noted, adding that despite the deluge of new content, the industry must work to preserve its foundational works.

Shehzad Sippy, representing the legacy of iconic cinema, reflected on the evolution of filmmaking and the unique storytelling methods of earlier decades. “Filmmaking was a different art then, and audiences today are curious to experience that era. But restoration demands significant investment of money, time, and skilled resources,” he said.

Film producer and actor Jackky Bhagnani highlighted the unpredictable nature of audience preferences. “People's time is precious—they want quality content. What resonates is often subjective, seasonal, or driven by mood. But regardless of the era, we always strive to give our best,” he stated.