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5 Unforgettable Secrets Of ‘In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones’: The Cult Film Being Re-Released

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For decades, the 1989 television film *In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones* has existed as one of Indian cinema's most elusive and celebrated cult classics. Originally aired just once on Doordarshan, the movie's reputation grew in direct proportion to its obscurity, becoming a whispered legend among film enthusiasts and a key piece of trivia for fans of its illustrious cast and crew. The film, which captures the rebellious and existential spirit of architecture students in 1970s Delhi, is now back in the spotlight in December 2025 thanks to a major preservation effort. This unique piece of cinema history, penned by the future Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy and directed by Pradip Krishen, is currently undergoing a meticulous restoration. This effort, spearheaded by the Film Heritage Foundation, promises to bring the film's gritty, authentic portrayal of student life and its star-studded early cast—including blink-and-you'll-miss-them appearances by Shah Rukh Khan and Manoj Bajpai—back to a global audience for an official re-release.

The Enigmatic Cast and Creators: A Star-Studded Biography

The film’s lasting legacy is inextricably linked to the extraordinary careers of the people who made it. Here is a look at the key figures who brought the world of Annie to life.
  • Arundhati Roy (Screenwriter & Actress):
    • Role in Film: Wrote the screenplay and starred as Radha.
    • Biography: Born November 24, 1961, in Shillong, Meghalaya, India. A world-renowned author and political activist. She won the prestigious Booker Prize in 1997 for her debut novel, *The God of Small Things*. Her work often focuses on social justice and human rights issues in India.
    • Education Context: Roy studied architecture at the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi, the very institution that heavily inspired the film's setting and characters.
  • Pradip Krishen (Director):
    • Role in Film: Director.
    • Biography: A highly respected Indian filmmaker and environmentalist. He also directed the 1991 film *Electric Moon*. Krishen was married to Arundhati Roy at the time the film was made. His directorial style in *Annie* is noted for its authentic, almost documentary-like feel.
  • Arjun Raina (Lead Actor):
    • Role in Film: Played the titular character, Anand 'Annie' Grover.
    • Biography: A noted theatre actor and director, particularly known for his work in experimental theatre. His portrayal of the perpetually failing, yet idealistic, architecture student is considered a landmark performance.
  • Shah Rukh Khan (Actor):
    • Role in Film: Had a small, early-career cameo as a fellow student, arguably his professional debut.
    • Biography: Born November 2, 1965. Known globally as "King Khan" and one of the most successful and decorated actors in the history of Indian cinema. His presence in this obscure film adds significantly to its cult status.
  • Manoj Bajpai (Actor):
    • Role in Film: Also had an uncredited, early-career cameo.
    • Biography: Born April 23, 1969. A highly acclaimed Indian actor, primarily known for his intense and realistic performances in both mainstream and parallel cinema. He is a recipient of multiple National Film Awards.
  • Rituraj Singh (Actor):
    • Role in Film: Played a supporting role as one of the students.
    • Biography: A well-known Indian television and film actor. His recent passing in February 2024 brought renewed attention to his early work in *Annie*.

The Enigma Explained: What Exactly are "Those Ones"?

The title of the film, *In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones*, is perhaps its most intriguing and confusing element. It is not a standard English idiom, but rather a piece of authentic, regional student slang from 1970s Delhi.

The phrase "giving it those ones" was a colloquialism commonly used by students at Delhi University, particularly at the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), where Arundhati Roy herself studied.

The literal meaning, according to Roy and others involved in the production, translates roughly to "doing one's usual act" or "doing your usual shit." It implies a signature, often audacious or unorthodox, way of behaving or tackling a problem that is characteristic of a specific person.

In the context of the film, the phrase refers to the main character, Anand Grover, nicknamed 'Annie.' Annie is a brilliant but non-conformist architecture student who is repeating his final year for the fifth time. "Those Ones" are the unconventional, often radical, ideas and projects that Annie 'gives' (presents) to the world and to his professors. His final thesis, the last hurdle to his degree, is the ultimate manifestation of "those ones."

The phrase anchors the film in a specific time and place, lending it a powerful sense of cultural authenticity and local color that was rare in Indian television at the time.

The Restoration Project: Why the Film is Back in the News

After its single, late-night screening on Doordarshan in 1989, the film effectively vanished. It was never widely released on home video, and copies were notoriously difficult to find, cementing its status as a piece of lost cinema and a true cult classic.

However, the film has recently gained significant attention due to a major preservation effort. The Film Heritage Foundation (FHF), a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of India's film heritage, has taken on the task of restoring the film.

This digital remastering and restoration project is crucial because the original format of the film (likely 16mm or a broadcast tape) was deteriorating. The goal is to bring the film back to its original visual and audio quality, ensuring that future generations can experience this pivotal piece of Indian cinema history.

The news of the restoration, which has been in progress for some time, promises an official re-release. While an exact date is yet to be announced, the anticipation is high. This re-release is expected to be a major event, finally making the film accessible to the millions of fans of Arundhati Roy, Shah Rukh Khan, and Manoj Bajpai who have only heard whispers of its existence.

5 Key Facts That Make *Annie* a Cult Classic

The film's journey from obscure TV movie to a celebrated cult phenomenon is built on several unique factors that set it apart from typical Indian cinema of the late 1980s.
  1. It is an Authentic Time Capsule of 1970s Delhi Student Life: The film is set in 1974, capturing the political and social mood of the time, particularly the cynicism and idealism of young architecture students. It avoids Bollywood tropes, opting for a realistic, slice-of-life narrative.
  2. Arundhati Roy's Debut as a Screenwriter: Long before she became a global literary figure, Roy won a National Film Award for Best Screenplay for her work on *Annie*. The dialogue, noted for its use of "English patois" and authentic student banter, is a testament to her sharp writing.
  3. The Uncredited Cameos of Future Superstars: The presence of Shah Rukh Khan and Manoj Bajpai in minor roles is a massive draw. They were virtually unknown at the time, making the film a fascinating historical document of their earliest on-screen work.
  4. The "Lost Film" Enigma: Its decades-long unavailability after its initial screening created a powerful mystique. The difficulty of finding a copy—often poor-quality VHS rips shared among enthusiasts—only fueled its reputation as a forbidden or hidden gem.
  5. The Theme of Non-Conformity: The central character, Annie, is a rebel against the rigid academic system. His "those ones" are a form of protest—a refusal to dilute his radical, idealistic vision for the sake of a degree. This theme resonates strongly with counter-culture and artistic communities.

The upcoming re-release of the digitally restored *In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones* is more than just a cinematic event; it's the recovery of a vital piece of cultural history. It offers a fresh opportunity to appreciate the early genius of its creators and stars, and to understand the meaning of "those ones" in the context of enduring idealism.

5 Unforgettable Secrets of ‘In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones’: The Cult Film Being Re-Released
in which annie gives it those ones
in which annie gives it those ones

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