Resurrecting a Cult Classic: Arundhati Roy's Timeless Campus Satire

A Campus Classic Returns

It's not every day that a film made almost four decades ago resurfaces to captivate a new generation. Arundhati Roy's In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones is set to grace the Berlinale Classics section of the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival, and it's drawing attention not only for its nostalgia but also for its striking relevance today.

The film, a humorous yet poignant exploration of student life, was originally released on India's national broadcaster, Doordarshan, in 1989. At its heart is Anand "Annie" Grover, who oscillates between idealism and distraction as he and his peers navigate a world that feels as unfinished as Delhi itself on a sticky summer afternoon.

Restored for a New Audience

The restoration of this cinematic gem was no straightforward task. Initiated by the Film Heritage Foundation after a chance discovery of scripts and tapes, the effort to resurrect Annie involved painstaking color corrections and audio enhancements. Filmmaker Shivendra Singh Dungarpur shared, "There was a scene towards the end where Roy is wearing a red sari, and the red had almost disappeared. We had to ask ourselves: what kind of red was it?" This attention to detail ensures that new audiences will not just see the film as a relic of its time but appreciate it as a living, breathing commentary on youth and rebellion.

A Portrait of Student Life

Through its relaxed and authentic depiction of college life, Annie stood apart from contemporary cinema. The characters engage in lively debates about architecture, philosophy, and even student politics, showcasing a mix of intellect and irreverence rarely captured on screen. Roy, who also starred in the film, portrayed Radha—one of the thoughtful and free-spirited students whose charm lies in her defiance.

“What the film speaks about is still very much prevalent. That's why it resonates. It hasn't dated in the way you might expect.” — Shivendra Singh Dungarpur

A Cultural Time Capsule

The film serves as a cultural time capsule, reflecting a moment when Indian cinema felt free to challenge societal norms through student-centric narratives. Roy's characters freely mock authority and the rigid structures of their institutions, echoing the collective frustrations of a young populace on the brink of economic reform. Dungarpur notes, "Nobody has really made a film about English-speaking students in India before. Annie captured that without self-consciousness. Audiences were not used to seeing English spoken so casually. It feels authentic."

The Legacy of Dissent

Interestingly, the film's humor and charm have aged gracefully, presenting a narrative where students rebel, but with hope rather than anger. This reflects the tone of a generation finding joy in self-expression amid societal constraints. The laughter it inspires among viewers resonates with youthful exuberance, underscoring a timeless struggle against conformity.

Looking Ahead

As younger viewers prepare to rediscover Annie, they will not only witness a bygone era—characterized by flared trousers, midnight smoke-filled rooms, and the dreamers sketching ideas on drafting tables—but also recognize the persistent systems that define their lives today. The film's restoration reminds us that while times may change, the undercurrents of ambition, identity, and challenge remain constant.

A Celebration of Hope

In a world filled with rapidly shifting cultural landscapes, In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones serves as a reminder of how far we've come and yet how similar we remain. As Arundhati Roy herself put it, "The film's dissent lies in its tone rather than in slogans." It's a celebration of young voices in a society trying to find its footing—a sentiment that remains relevant today. So, get ready to attend the revival of a classic that not only entertains but also provokes thought, laughter, and perhaps a little nostalgia.