Shyam Benegal’s “Manthan,” Starring Smita Patil and Naseeruddin Shah, to Re-Release in 50 Indian Cities Following Cannes 2024 Screening

Following the successful world premiere of Shyam Benegal’s 1976 film Manthan at the Cannes Film Festival 2024, the Film Heritage Foundation and the Gujarat Co-Operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. have partnered with PVR-INOX Ltd. and Cinépolis India to release the restored classic in 50 cities and 100 cinemas across India on June 1 & 2, 2024. Manthan, a fictionalized portrayal of the remarkable dairy cooperative movement that transformed India into the world’s largest milk producer, inspired by Dr. Verghese Kurien, the Father of the White Revolution, holds the distinction of being India’s first crowdfunded film.

It was produced by 500,000 dairy farmers who each contributed Rs. 2/- towards its production. The film boasts an impressive cast including Girish Karnad, Naseeruddin Shah, Smita Patil, Dr. Mohan Agashe, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Anant Nag, and Abha Dhulia. Manthan was skillfully shot by renowned cinematographer and director Govind Nihalani, with music composed by the eminent Vanraj Bhatia. Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, Director of the Film Heritage Foundation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to restoring films and bringing them back to the public. With Manthan being funded by 500,000 farmers, it is truly a film made by the people for the people. Dungarpur expressed his satisfaction that audiences across various cities, ranging from the major metros like Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai to smaller towns like Dharwad, Kakinada, Nadiad, Bhatinda, Panipat, and Kozhikode, will have the opportunity to experience the beautifully restored film.

Shyam Benegal expressed his joy upon learning about the fantastic response to the restoration of Manthan at its world premiere in Cannes. He is especially delighted that the restored film will now be released in cinemas across India. Benegal recalled the film’s initial success in 1976, when farmers flocked to see it, traveling in bullock carts from small towns and villages. He hopes that 48 years later, when the restored film returns to the big screen in June, people from all over India will come to the cinemas to watch it. Naseeruddin Shah shared his emotional experience of watching the restored Manthan at its premiere in Cannes. Memories from nearly fifty years ago, when cinema was a catalyst for change, overwhelmed him, and he was moved to tears by the standing ovation at the end. He expressed his delight that the film will now be released in cinemas across India and urged people not to miss the opportunity to watch this beautifully restored historic film on the big screen.