Arundhati Roy Boycotts Berlin Premiere of Revamped 1980s Cult Classic Film
Arundhati Roy, the renowned Indian author and activist, has decided to boycott the Berlin premiere of the restored version of her cult classic film “In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones.” The film is set to debut at the Berlinale Classics section of the Berlin Film Festival on February 16, 2026. This premiere marks the first major public viewing of the film in years.
Background of the Film
“In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones” was originally showcased on Indian television in 1989. Directed by Pradip Krishen, the movie portrays the life of Anand “Annie” Grover, an idealistic architecture student, with Roy herself playing Radha, a rebellious character challenging societal norms.
- Release Year: 1989
- Director: Pradip Krishen
- Main Cast: Arundhati Roy as Radha, Arjun Raina as Anand “Annie” Grover
- Awards: Won two National Film Awards
The film gained cult status over the years, despite no initial cinema screenings, thanks to its unique blend of English and Hindi dialogue, known as Hinglish, and gripping storytelling based on Roy’s own experiences at the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi.
Roy’s Reason for Boycotting the Premiere
Roy’s decision to boycott the premiere stems from her discontent with the festival jury’s remarks regarding the ongoing Gaza conflict. During a press conference, jury president Wim Wenders stated that the festival would “stay out of politics,” a comment that prompted Roy’s public outrage.
In her statement, she condemned the situation in Gaza, describing it as genocide and calling for the artistic community to take a stand. She expressed disappointment that filmmakers and artists did not acknowledge this humanitarian crisis.
The Restoration Journey
The restoration of “In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones” began after Krishen donated the original materials to the Film Heritage Fund. The restoration process took over a year and entailed extensive work to improve the film’s visual and audio quality.
This effort was spearheaded by Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, founder of the Film Heritage Fund, who sought to preserve the film’s historical significance. The original 16mm film was retrieved from the National Film Archive of India and converted for modern viewing.
Impact and Relevance
The film’s themes of individualism, rebellion, and social critique remain relevant today, especially in the context of contemporary Indian society. Roy’s storytelling resonates with many, capturing the essence of a changing cultural landscape.
Critics praise the film for its authentic portrayal of student life and its humorous take on authority, reflecting a more tolerant era in India. The restored version allows a new generation to experience this significant piece of Indian cinema.
Conclusion
As “In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones” prepares for its long-awaited premiere, the film not only revives nostalgia for earlier viewers but also sparks conversations about pressing social issues. Arundhati Roy’s commitment to activism, reflected in her choice to boycott the festival, underscores the intersection of art and politics in today’s world.
