Raj Kapoor's 'Awaara' to be released in colour format

In the run up to the relaunch of the famous RK banner, sources tell us that the production house's blockbuster Awaara will be re-released in colour format, as part of a careful strategising process. This comes after yesteryear black and white hit Mughal-E-Azam was converted to colour a few seasons ago.

Raj Kapoor and Nargis in a still from 'Awaara'

A source said, "According to the copyrights laws of India, any work of publication will be open to one and all, once it has passed 60 years from its original release date." Raj Kapoor's iconic film has already passed 60 years as it was released in 1951.

An insider says, "Rishi Kapoor had wanted to remake the film but that has so far not been possible. So the Kapoor brothers recently decided to have the film made in colour and have a grand release just like Mughal-E-Azam. In this way the original makers will still hold the copyright for the next 60 years."

Sources from within the company say that Ranbir Kapoor is against the idea of remaking iconic films. "By turning the films into colour, the move will prevent anyone else from remaking these hits," adds the source. Rishi Kapoor remained unavailable for comment.