MUGHAL-E-AZAM, RESURRECTED
(March 2005)

Indian cinema's biggest epic blockbuster, Mughal-e-Azam has become the world's first colourised film to be theatrically re-released. Along with colouring and restoring the film, the music and the background score of the film, which were first recorded in the 1950s, have been re-recorded by the original composer using original Hindustani Classical instruments and have re-created for a true Dolby/ Dts 6.1 experience.

Mughal-e-Azam will be re-launched nationwide in the UK in March 2005, and like its original release more than 40 years ago, the film is anticipated to supersede all existing box office records set by any Bollywood film, globally. Glamour and glitter marked the star-studded Indian premiere for Mughal-e-Azam earlier this year, which was attended by the male lead in the movie film Dilip Kumar, his wife Saira Bano, Aishwarya Rai, Rani Mukherjee, Rekha, Sridevi, Tabu, Akshay Khanna, Anil Kapoor, and Govinda.

From the sets - sweeping, regal palaces, sandscapes, dungeons and escape routes - to the costumes - to the innumerable extras - and exquisite jewellery, Mughal-e-Azam, which took an incredible nine years to make (1951 - 1960), is undeniably a cinematic classic, standing a monumental testament to director K. Asif's vision and commitment. The lavish song picturisations, the poignant performance of one of India's most acclaimed legendary actors Dilip Kumar, the breathtaking and eternal beauty of the late celebrated Indian actress Madhubala, never before seen in a colour film, and the ornate jewel and gold encrusted jewellery and costumes renders itself remarkably to a colour scheme that takes the epic beyond the black and white shades of the original.

The return of Mughal-e-Azam brings a revived version of a timeless soundtrack created 44 years ago. The music, which was originally composed by Naushad, has been re-recorded under his stewardship by Uttam Singh, Gurmeet Singh and Naushad's son Raju, with meticulous care to preserve the pristine and sublime quality of each song. Music lovers will once again be enchanted by the soul of Mughal-e-Azam, Indian nightingale Lata Mangeshkar's young melodious voice, as she sings the haunting song Pyar Kiya to Darna Kya. It would also be the first time that film goers will listen to the voices of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Mohammedd Rafi, Prithviraj Kapur and Shamshad Begum in a Dolby Digital framework, which have been anthropomorphised through the coloured screen.

The original production company, Sterling Investment Corporation Pvt Ltd, has produced the new version of Mughal-e-Azam, and around 150 technical personnel worked at six different studios to complete the whole work.

FILM SYNOPSIS

Set in 16th century AD, Mughal-e-Azam tells the story of doomed lovers, court dancer Anarkali (Madhubala), and Prince Salim (Dalip Kumar). Their relationship makes us ponder if we have ever seen a pair so sheathed in ardour, passion and despair as every caress, touch and breath they take exudes the power of true love. When Prince Salim's father Emperor Akbar (Prithviraj Kapoor) learns of their love, he is furious and does his best to thwart the romance saying a commoner could never be the empress of India.

Though the love story is the backbone of the film, it is Akbar's dilemma that is placed centre stage as he is torn between love for his only son and the demands of the Mughal Empire. Salim however is adamant and rebelliously leads an army against his father. He is defeated in battle and brought before Akbar who sentences him to death. Anarkali agrees to sacrifice her life for Salim to be spared and after spending the night with him is taken to be entombed alive in a brick wall.

But is Anarkali ever rescued and reunited with her lover?

Does Emperor Akbar ever accept the relationship and defy the rules of his kingdom?

Mughal-e-Azam evocatively, passionately and endearingly reveals the answers to the above, whilst captivating a mesmerised audience …