The Ritual (Ghatashraddha) [Blu-ray]

Released at the peak of the Parallel Cinema movement in India, Girish Kasaravalli’s groundbreaking debut feature, The Ritual (Ghatashraddha), is a scathing critique of religious hypocrisy and a vicious patriarchal system. This forthright and uncompromising film takes aim at societal injustices, establishing Kasaravalli as a major talent in the Indian film industry with its daring subject matter and neorealist approach.

The film tells the poignant story of a friendship between two outsiders: a young Brahmin boy at a religious school who is bullied by his peers, and the headmaster’s widowed daughter who conceals a secret pregnancy for fear of being ostracised.

• The Ritual (Ghatashraddha, 1977) presented from a new 4K restoration by Film Heritage Foundation, Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project, and George Lucas' Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation.
• Includes a new filmed interview with director Girish Kasaravalli.
• Features a booklet with new writing by author Dr Omar Ahmed, director Girish Kasaravalli on the film, and Film Heritage Foundation’s Shivendra Singh Dungarpur on the restoration.
• New and improved English subtitles are provided.

• Director: Girish Kasaravalli
• Actors: Ajith Kumar, Meena Kuttappa, Narayana Bhat
• Language: English, Kannada
• Subtitles: English
• Run Time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Format: Blu-ray
• Release Date: 14 September 2026
• Studio: Second Run

This Blu-ray edition offers a significant restoration of a landmark film, accompanied by insightful bonus content for a comprehensive viewing experience.