Cannes 2024 is all set to take audiences on a nostalgic journey with the restored version of the 1976 classic, Manthan, directed by veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal. The film, starring the legendary Smita Patil, encapsulates the essence of India’s White Revolution led by Verghese Kurien.
It is scheduled to be showcased in the prestigious Cannes 2024 Classics section. This section pays homage to timeless masterpieces through restored prints and documentaries, and Manthan rightfully claims its place among these icons.
Naseeruddin Shah To Attend Manthan Premiere At Cannes 2024
The 4K restoration of Manthan has been chosen for the official red-carpet world premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in May 2024. Notably, it is the sole Indian representative in the Cannes Classics section this year, marking a proud moment for Indian cinema on the global stage.
The premiere promises to be a star-studded affair, graced by luminaries such as Naseeruddin Shah, the family of the late Smita Patil, the film’s producers, and Shivendra Singh Dungarpur from the Film Heritage Foundation.
FHF returns to the @Festival_Cannes for a 3rd year in a row for the red-carpet world premiere of the 4K restoration of Shyam Benegal’s “Manthan” (1976) – India’s first crowd funded film produced by 500,000 farmers. @NFAIOfficial @PrasadCorp @Amul_Coophttps://t.co/7j12ygzIKq pic.twitter.com/9QTKVV8KcZ
— Film Heritage Foundation (@FHF_Official) April 26, 2024
About Manthan
Manthan, also known as The Churning, is a 1976 Hindi film that chronicles the inspiring tale of the White Revolution in India. Directed by Shyam Benegal, the narrative unfolds in the backdrop of the rural landscapes of Kheda district, Gujarat.
The plot revolves around a group of impoverished farmers who unite to establish a local milk cooperative, mirroring the real-life efforts of Verghese Kurien. At the heart of the story is the remarkable journey of empowerment led by a young veterinary surgeon portrayed by Girish Karnad and the spirited Bindu, essayed by Smita Patil. Bindu challenges societal norms and emerges as a central figure in the narrative, symbolising resilience and change.
What makes Manthan truly unique is its crowdfunding model, a pioneering effort in the Indian film industry. Over 500,000 farmers contributed Rs 2 each, collectively financing the film. This grassroots support not only made Manthan a cinematic marvel but also a symbol of community strength and solidarity.
The film went on to earn several awards, including the 1977 National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. Additionally, Manthan was India’s official submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1976, further cementing its place in cinematic history.
The title track of the film, “Mero Gaam Katha Parey,” sung by Preeti Sagar, became synonymous with the movie’s spirit and later found a place in the iconic Amul television commercials, adding another layer of cultural significance to this timeless masterpiece.
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