By — Dilip Guha
International Film Festival Delhi 2026, organised by Delhi Tourism, Government of Delhi, will celebrate the birth centenary of legendary filmmaker and actor Guru Dutt by screening his films at Bharat Mandapam. One of the key highlights of the retrospective will be the screening of Pyaasa in its newly restored 4K version. This is the first time a 4 K restored version of Pyaasa will be screened at an International film festival. This initiative is supported by Ultra Media & Entertainment.
The week-long festival will present a wide-ranging programme of screenings, conversations and industry engagements across venues in New Delhi from 25 to 31 March 2026, bringing together filmmakers, industry leaders and audiences from around the world.IFFD is an important step towards strengthening Delhi’s position as a global cultural capital. Cinema has the unique ability to bring together diverse voices and perspectives, and through this festival, we hope to create a platform where audiences can experience the richness of world cinema while celebrating India’s own storytelling traditions
With a special retrospective, the festival aims to bring Guru Dutt’s timeless cinema back to the big screen for audiences who cherish his work, but also to introduce younger generations to the artistic brilliance and cinematic legacy of one of India’s greatest filmmakers. By presenting his iconic films in a theatre setting, the festival hopes to create a shared experience that allows contemporary audiences to rediscover the emotional depth and visual poetry that define Guru Dutt’s cinema.
The programme will feature a curated selection of his landmark films, including Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool, and Aar Paar. Together, these films reflect the range of Guru Dutt’s cinematic vision — from stylish, noir-influenced storytelling to deeply introspective narratives exploring love, artistic struggle and social disillusionment.
Speaking about the retrospective, Festival Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra said, “Guru Dutt’s cinema continues to move audiences because of its emotional honesty and visual poetry. Marking his birth centenary through this retrospective is our way of celebrating a filmmaker whose work shaped the language of Indian cinema. Presenting Pyaasa in its restored 4K version also ensures that new generations can experience this timeless classic in the way it deserves to be seen.”
He further added, “We are grateful to Ultra Media & Entertainment for their support in making this retrospective possible. Their remarkable work in restoring Guru Dutt’s films ensures that new generations can experience the brilliance and cinematic legacy of one of India’s greatest filmmakers in its most authentic form.”
Guru Dutt remains one of the most revered voices in Indian cinema, known for blending artistic depth with mainstream appeal. Decades after their release, his films continue to influence filmmakers and resonate with audiences across generations.
The retrospective at Bharat Mandapam will offer a rare opportunity for audiences, cinephiles and industry professionals to revisit these cinematic masterpieces and celebrate the enduring legacy of a filmmaker whose work remains timeless.
