Ultra Play Celebrates Shakti Samanta@100!

#UltraPlay Celebrates Shakti Samanta@100 this January with a month‑long film festival revisiting 32 classics like Amar Prem, Aradhana, Kati Patang and Kashmir Ki Kali, where stories and songs became immortal.

On January 13, the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary filmmaker, Ultra Play, the Hindi‑language OTT platform from Ultra Media & Entertainment Group, presents a curated showcase of his timeless works. Select titles have been digitally restored and are now ready to stream on Ultra Play.

“Kuch toh log kahenge…” from Amar Prem is a line that has outlived generations, reflecting the emotional depth and musical sensibility of Shakti Samanta’s cinema. His films combined heartfelt storytelling with unforgettable music, and this festival honours that legacy. The line‑up includes Aradhana, Amar Prem, Kati Patang, An Evening in Paris, Howrah Bridge, Ajanabee, Anuraag, Amanush, Balika Badhu, China Town, Aar Paar, Kashmir Ki Kali, Barsaat Ki Ek Raat, Palay Khan, Jane Anjane, Geetanjali, Anand Ashram, Ankhon Mein Tum Ho, Awaaz, Khwab, Ahankaar and Don Muthu Swami. Many of these films have been digitally restored to enhance picture and sound while preserving their original soul.

From Rajesh Khanna’s enduring “Pushpa, I hate tears” in Amar Prem, to Aradhana establishing him as Hindi cinema’s first superstar, to R.D. Burman’s unforgettable music in Kati Patang, Shakti Samanta’s films defined eras. An Evening in Paris pioneered overseas shooting, while Howrah Bridge blended suspense and melody. Kashmir Ki Kali popularised the valley in the 1960s, making it a cinematic landmark.

Sushilkumar Agrawal, CEO of Ultra Media & Entertainment Group, said: “Shakti Samanta’s cinema represented a rare balance of emotion, music and human connection. His films such as Amar Prem, Aradhana and Kati Patang continue to resonate because their stories and songs remain timeless, adding that the festival is Ultra’s way of honouring a filmmaker whose work continues to inspire audiences across generations. Nostalgia today is not about looking back, but about relevance. When classic films continue to find resonance with younger audiences, it reinforces Ultra’s belief that strong stories never date. Ultra Play’s focus remains on preserving these films with care and presenting them thoughtfully for today’s viewers, while staying true to their original soul.”

Ultra Gaane, India’s first audio‑visual music streaming app, is also part of the celebration. Restored and colourised classic songs from Samanta’s films bring iconic tracks from Amar Prem, Aradhana, Kati Patang and more to audiences in an immersive audio‑visual format.

The Shakti Samanta Birth Centenary Film Festival reinforces Ultra Play’s commitment to preserving India’s cinematic heritage and making iconic films accessible in the digital age because some stories, and some songs, never really fade. Ultra Play offers over 5,000 hours across 1,800+ titles, spanning Hindi cinema from 1943 to contemporary releases, alongside web series and South Indian films dubbed in Hindi. Anchored in its Har Pal Filmy positioning, Ultra Play focuses on restoration‑led storytelling, thoughtful curation and digital distribution. Ultra Media expects continued growth, with subscriber projections crossing 500,000 by 2026 and 1 million by 2027.

By Keerti Kadam