One of Gujarati cinema’s most cherished films, ‘Desh Re Joya Dada Pardesh Joya’, is set to make a grand return to theatres today, offering audiences a chance to relive a story that defined an era. The iconic 1998 film will be re-released in a meticulously restored 4K version, bringing renewed visual and sound clarity to a narrative that continues to resonate deeply with viewers across generations.

The theatrical comeback is part of ‘Ultra Rewind’, an initiative by Ultra Media & Entertainment aimed at bringing landmark and culturally significant films back to the big screen. According to a press release issued by the company, the restoration has been carried out with great care to enhance picture and audio quality while preserving the film’s original cinematic soul and emotional texture.

Originally released in 1998, ‘Desh Re Joya Dada Pardesh Joya’ created box-office history, earning an estimated Rs.22 crore during its original run — an extraordinary achievement for Gujarati cinema at the time. The film emerged as one of the highest ticket-selling Gujarati titles of its era, playing a crucial role in reviving audience confidence during a challenging phase for the regional industry and reaffirming the enduring appeal of emotionally rooted storytelling.

Directed and produced by the late Govindbhai Patel, the film stars Hiten Kumar and Roma Manek in performances that are still regarded as benchmarks in Gujarati cinema. The story follows the poignant journey of Ram and Radha, childhood companions torn apart by family conflict and circumstance, and explores themes of migration, displacement and the deep emotional pull of one’s homeland — subjects that remain strikingly relevant even today.

The film’s cultural impact is further amplified by its music, composed by Arvind Barot. Rooted in folk traditions and raw emotion, the songs went on to become an inseparable part of Gujarati cultural life, adding to the film’s lasting legacy.

Commenting on the re-release, Sushilkumar Agrawal, CEO, Ultra Media & Entertainment Group, said the film is far more than a commercial success. He described it as an emotional milestone for Gujarati cinema, noting that its original box-office journey and enduring bond with audiences reflect the timeless power of honest, rooted storytelling. Through Ultra Rewind, he said, the company is proud to bring this landmark film back to theatres where it can be experienced as it was always meant to be.