Archive · 3 Jan 2026
Rare Tamil Film 'Ratha Kanneer' Joins NFAI Collection
A very old Tamil movie called 'Ratha Kanneer' from 1954 has been added to a special collection in India that keeps old movies safe.
This movie talks about important things like leprosy, unfair treatment because of someone's caste, and how people can change.
A lady named Aparna Subramaniam gave this movie to the National Film Archive of India because she thought it was very important to keep it safe for people to see in the future.
The movie is about a rich man who becomes sick with leprosy and is left alone by society.
Before this, there were only low-quality copies of the movie online, but now the real movie will be preserved.
The National Film Archive of India (NFAI) has acquired the rare 1954 Tamil film 'Ratha Kanneer', which addresses social issues like leprosy and caste discrimination.
Aparna Subramaniam donated eight jumbo reels in 35mm format from her personal collection to the NFAI in Pune.
The film, directed by Krishnan-Panju and written by Thiruvarur Thangarasu, features MR Radha in the lead role and highlights the protagonist's transformation from a wealthy, westernised philanderer to a leprosy patient abandoned by society.
NFDC Managing Director Prakash Magdum emphasized the film's cultural and historical significance, noting that no film archive in India or internationally possesses a print or original negative of this historic film.
The donation is crucial for the long-term preservation and accessibility of the film, as only low-resolution copies were previously available online.
- Who
- National Film Archive of India (NFAI) and Aparna Subramaniam
- What
- Donation of the rare Tamil film 'Ratha Kanneer' to NFAI's collection
- When
- January 3, 2026
- Where
- Pune, India
- Why
- To preserve and make accessible a historically significant film that addresses social issues like leprosy, caste discrimination, and blind faith
- Film Title
- Ratha Kanneer
- Year of Release
- 1954
- Director
- Krishnan-Panju
- Writer
- Thiruvarur Thangarasu
- Lead Actor
- MR Radha
- Format Donated
- Eight jumbo reels in 35mm
- Donor
- Aparna Subramaniam
- Recipient
- National Film Archive of India (NFAI)