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Irrfan Khan-Vidya Balan's 'The Last Tenant' Released on YouTube After 25 Years

The unreleased film 'The Last Tenant', starring Irrfan Khan and Vidya Balan, has been released on YouTube after 25 years. It marks the only on-screen collaboration between the two actors. The film was recovered from a lost VHS copy and released as a tribute on Irrfan Khan's death anniversary. Director Sarthak Dasgupta and Vidya Balan shared emotional reflections on the long-delayed release.

Key Points: Irrfan Khan, Vidya Balan's 'The Last Tenant' Out on YouTube

  • Unreleased film 'The Last Tenant' released on YouTube after 25 years
  • Only on-screen collaboration between Irrfan Khan and Vidya Balan
  • Film recovered from a lost VHS copy
  • Released as a tribute on Irrfan Khan's death anniversary
3 min read

Irrfan Khan, Vidya Balan unreleased film 'The Last Tenant' gets YouTube release after 25 years

Unreleased film 'The Last Tenant', starring Irrfan Khan and Vidya Balan, released on YouTube after 25 years. A tribute to the late actor on his death anniversary.

"Working with Irrfan was incredibly special then and that much more now considering its the only time i got to share screen space with him. - Vidya Balan"

Mumbai, May 5

A long-lost cinematic piece of history has resurfaced as the unreleased film 'The Last Tenant', starring late actor Irrfan Khan and actress Vidya Balan, has been released on YouTube nearly 25 years after it was shot.

Believed to be one of Vidya Balan's earliest projects, possibly her first after her stint in television, the film also marks the only on-screen collaboration between Balan and Irrfan Khan, as per the press release.

Irrfan passed away at a Mumbai hospital on April 29, 2020. He was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour and lost his life to it. He was one of Indian cinema's most versatile and globally admired actors. His celebrated body of work includes acclaimed performances in films such as 'The Lunchbox', 'Paan Singh Tomar', 'Maqbool', 'Haider' and 'Piku', alongside international projects like 'Life of Pi' and 'Jurassic World'. Known for his naturalistic style, Irrfan redefined screen acting for a generation, earning critical acclaim in India and abroad before his passing in 2020, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence cinema worldwide.

Written and Directed by Sarthak Dasgupta, and Produced by Neena and Sarthak Dasgupta the film has been released as a tribute to Irrfan Khan on his death anniversary.

The project remained shelved for over two decades after the original footage was reportedly lost. It was later recovered when the director discovered a VHS copy, leading to its eventual digital release.

Reflecting on the journey, director Sarthak Dasgupta said in a statement, "I was a novice with everything to learn. I hadn't assisted anyone. I hadn't been to film school. There was no Amazon to order books from. No YouTube to watch tutorials on. Fuelled by pure intuition, I had embarked on a journey, still unsure if it could become a career. Releasing this film now, as a tribute to Irrfan, makes it even more emotional. It feels like revisiting a forgotten dream."

Actor Vidya Balan also shared her emotions on the release, saying, "It feels surreal to see The Last Tenant finally reach audiences. I was just starting out, trying to find my footing...Working with Irrfan was incredibly special then and that much more now considering its the only time i got to share screen space with him.This film is a beautiful reminder of where it all began for me, and I'm glad it is being shared as a tribute to him."

For fans, the release serves as more than just a rediscovered film--it stands as a heartfelt tribute to Irrfan Khan's enduring legacy in Indian cinema.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

M
Michael C
As a foreign fan of Indian cinema, I'm amazed this film was just sitting on a VHS tape for 25 years. Irrfan Khan's work in 'Life of Pi' and 'The Lunchbox' introduced me to Indian storytelling. So glad this collaboration is finally seeing the light of day - even if it's just on YouTube.
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Priya S
Wah, what a beautiful story! I remember watching Irrfan in 'Paan Singh Tomar' and thinking, "Yeh aadmi kamaal ka actor hai." And Vidya Balan starting her film journey here - it's like a hidden chapter of our cinema history. The director's dedication to recover the footage is inspiring. Thank you for this gift! 🙏
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Rohit P
Honestly, I'm a bit disappointed with the video quality - it's really grainy and the sound is off in parts. But then again, it was shot 25 years ago on a shoestring budget with no film school training. The raw talent of Irrfan and Vidya shines through despite the technical flaws. Worth a watch for fans who want to see their humble beginnings.
K
Kavya N
This is so emotional! 😢 Irrfan bhai left us too soon. Watching him and Vidya together - the only time they acted together - is priceless. I wish more of his unreleased work comes out. Every frame of his is a masterclass. The way he delivers dialogue without effort, it's pure magic. Miss you, Irrfan!
D
David E
I'm genuinely touched by the director's story - finding a VHS copy after all these years, like rediscovering

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