Revival of 'In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones': A Nostalgic Journey

The revival of 'In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones', a beloved campus comedy by Arundhati Roy, marks a significant moment in Indian cinema. Originally aired in 1989, the film has been restored and is set to be screened at the 2026 Berlinale. This article delves into the film's journey, its cultural significance, and the collaborative spirit that brought it to life. With reflections on societal issues and the evolving perceptions of younger generations, this nostalgic piece invites readers to rediscover a film that resonates with joy and authenticity.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 17, 2026, 15:24 IST

A Timeless Campus Comedy Returns

In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, penned by Arundhati Roy and directed by Pradip Krishen, originally aired in a single late-night slot on television in 1989. This charming campus comedy follows a group of architecture students in Delhi as they navigate their final-year projects.

Thanks to a recent restoration by the Film Heritage Foundation, Annie has regained its place in the spotlight. Roy had previously released the screenplay in book format, which has now been updated to commemorate the film's revival.

The updated edition, In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones – The Screenplay (Penguin Random House India), features a new introduction by Roy, along with the original preface and essays by Pradip Krishen and Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, founder of the Film Heritage Foundation, discussing the restoration process.

A Collaborative Spirit

‘A band, jamming together, jiving to the same beat’

This screenplay marked my first published work, written thirty-eight years ago in 1988. Directed by Pradip Krishen, our collaboration was seamless, with no significant disagreements during filming or editing. I found it hard to trust anyone else with that script as much as I did him, and I can't envision anyone other than Arjun Raina portraying Anand Grover (Annie).

Initially aired just once on Doordarshan, the film surprisingly won two National Awards before fading into obscurity, only to resurface as bootlegged video tapes and DVDs, cherished by architecture students across the nation. As the era of physical media waned, Annie found its way to YouTube, albeit in poor quality.

A New Chapter for Annie

Now, the film is set for a revival, with plans to screen it in the Classics section at the 2026 Berlinale and in select Indian cinemas. This resurgence is largely due to Shivendra Singh Dungarpur's relentless dedication and Pradip's meticulous archival work. His note in this book recounts how the Film Heritage Foundation restored the severely damaged original 16mm negative in Mumbai before sending it to Bologna for further enhancement.

What makes this modest film, produced on a budget of twelve lakh rupees (around $13,000 today), continue to resonate? It’s a mystery that often surrounds certain films, books, and songs. In the case of Annie, I believe it stems from the joy shared by everyone involved in its creation. We were like a band, harmonizing together, without any stars among us. This collective spirit lends the film its irreverence and light-heartedness.

Reflections on Society

Fifteen years after its initial publication in 2003, I pondered what a film like this represented during a time when fascism was on the rise. By 2015, it was no longer subtle; it was overt. A tragic incident in Dadri, where a mob killed Mohammed Akhlaq over cow slaughter allegations, marked the beginning of a grim era characterized by public lynchings and the assassination of dissenters under the watchful eye of a 'Hindus First' government. Pradip and I, along with many others, returned our National Awards in protest, a symbolic act of defiance.

Today, the violence continues, but the outrage has faded.

Annie's Legacy and Future

Journalists often inquire about how Gen Z might perceive Annie. I can’t say for certain. However, I recognize that Gen Z, like previous generations, is not a homogenous group with a singular viewpoint. Reflecting on Annie now, I see it as a light-hearted portrayal of young individuals who, while not from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, are not driven by the relentless pursuit of success. They embrace each other's quirks and idiosyncrasies, speaking their own language and expressing their unique humor and fashion sense. They are liberated from the pressures of materialism and social media validation, valuing authenticity over conformity.

Viewed through the lens of 2026, this represents a form of radical freedom. Even as their professors impose narrow definitions of 'real life,' these unconventional characters challenge the superficial dreams of capitalism. The magic of cinema lies in its ability to capture moments and blend them into something extraordinary.

In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones is not a manifesto; it simply embodies a joyful perspective.

Excerpted with permission from In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones – The Screenplay, Arundhati Roy, Penguin Random House India.