Doordarshan Broadcasts Restored Version of 'Manthan' to Honor Shyam Benegal

On January 1, 2025, Doordarshan, the national broadcaster, marked the start of the new year by screening a 4K restored version of the iconic film Manthan as a tribute to the late filmmaker Shyam Benegal. Benegal, known for his role in the parallel cinema movement in India during the 1970s and 1980s, passed away on December 23 at the age of 90 due to chronic kidney disease. The film's restoration, which was showcased earlier at the Cannes Film Festival, allows audiences to rediscover the timeless classic in its full glory.

Shyam Benegal: A Legacy in Indian Cinema 

Shyam Benegal's contribution to Indian cinema is immeasurable. He was a pioneer of parallel cinema, a movement that sought to depict real, socially relevant stories in contrast to mainstream commercial cinema. Benegal's films were noted for their bold narratives and focus on social issues.

His work, especially during the 1970s and 1980s, changed the landscape of Indian cinema, bringing attention to underrepresented narratives. The screening of Manthan serves as a fitting tribute to the filmmaker's legacy, highlighting the significance of his work in shaping contemporary Indian cinema.

The Film Heritage Foundation's Role in Restoration 

The Film Heritage Foundation (FHF) undertook the restoration of Manthan, ensuring that the film remains accessible for future generations. The restoration was done in 4K, a process that enhanced the visual quality of the movie while preserving its original essence.

The FHF, which is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of Indian films, collaborated with the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (Amul) to bring the 1976 classic back to life. Earlier in 2024, the restored version of Manthan was featured in the Cannes Classic section at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, further cementing the film's global significance.

The Plot of 'Manthan' 

Released in 1976, Manthan is a Hindi-language film directed by Shyam Benegal. The movie, titled "Churning" in English, tells the story of the revolutionary milk cooperative movement led by Dr. Verghese Kurien, which helped India become one of the largest milk producers in the world. The plot revolves around a young veterinary doctor, played by Girish Karnad, who battles against corrupt forces to establish a cooperative for rural farmers in Gujarat.

The narrative showcases the empowerment of farmers through their involvement in the milk cooperative, challenging the exploitative practices of middlemen. The film also stars Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, and Amrish Puri, who delivered powerful performances that resonate with the film's social message.

A Tribute to the Farmers of Gujarat 

One of the unique aspects of Manthan is that it was financed by 500,000 farmers in Gujarat, each contributing Rs 2 to fund the film. The opening credits of the movie proudly display the message: "500,000 Farmers of Gujarat present." This collaboration between the filmmakers and the farmers symbolizes the deep connection between the film's story and the people it aimed to represent. Manthan is not just a cinematic achievement; it is also a testament to the grassroots movement that revolutionized the dairy industry in India.

A Historic Screening on Doordarshan 

To honor the legacy of Manthan and Shyam Benegal, Doordarshan decided to showcase the restored version of the film on January 1, 2025, at 8 PM. The screening was part of Doordarshan's efforts to celebrate the rich history of Indian cinema and bring awareness to films that have had a lasting impact on society. The restoration and broadcast of Manthan is a symbolic gesture, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting Indian cinematic heritage.

Conclusion 

The restored screening of Manthan on Doordarshan is a fitting tribute to Shyam Benegal and the film’s social significance. As an important work of Indian cinema, Manthan continues to inspire generations with its portrayal of empowerment, social change, and the power of collective action. With its 4K restoration, audiences will now have the opportunity to experience the film in its full glory, appreciating not only its visual beauty but also its relevance in today's context. As Doordarshan honors Benegal's legacy, Manthan stands as a timeless reminder of the impact of cinema in shaping society.