Mahesh Bhatt’s celebrated film Arth will be screened at the MAMI Film Festival on October 20, showcasing a newly restored version that highlights its lasting significance. Originally released in 1982, the film features Smita Patil and Shabana Azmi, whose powerful performance won her a National Award and remains a landmark in Indian cinema.

The restoration was part of the National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM), led by the NFDC-National Film Archive of India, aimed at digitising and preserving India’s rich cinematic legacy. The restoration team worked diligently on a 35mm release print, upgrading it to 4K resolution while correcting various flaws, including scratches and audio synchronisation issues.

Reflecting on the film's re-release, Bhatt shared his deep emotional ties to Arth, describing it as a portrayal of his own experiences. He underscored the importance of introducing this story to a new generation, expressing gratitude to the NFAI for preserving the film’s essence. This screening offers a unique opportunity to engage with a narrative that remains as relevant today as it was at its inception.