'The Godfather' to re-release in India on February 25

A restored version of Francis Ford Coppola's 'The Godfather' will hit the screens on February 25 to commemorate its 50th anniversary. The Hollywood cult classic was released on March 14, 1972, and instantly became a hit.

'The Godfather' is based on Mario Puzo's novel of the same name. The film emerged as one of the highest-grossing films in Hollywood. It continues to inspire filmmakers generation after generation.

The film is widely regarded as one of the most influential gangster films and is ranked the second-greatest American film ever by the American Film Institute. It also won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Screenplay, besides earning seven other nominations.

The mafia movie traces the evolution of the Corleone clan, which is led by Marlon Brando's patriarch Vito. The film chronicles the gangster's operations in New York City, and highlights the social and political undercurrents.

The crime drama stars Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Richard Castellano, Robert Duvall, Sterling Hayden, John Marley, Richard Conte and Diane Keaton. It marks the first instalment in 'The Godfather' trilogy.