“Manthan,” India’s pioneering crowdfunded film directed by Shyam Benegal, is set for a grand re-release across 38 Indian cities after its celebrated screening at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
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- “Manthan” was India’s first crowdfunded film, financed by 500,000 farmers contributing ₹2 each.
- Directed by Shyam Benegal, the film portrays the dairy cooperative movement led by Verghese Kurien, known as the “Milkman of India.”
- The movie depicts the transformative journey of India from milk-deficient to one of the world’s leading milk producers.
- It narrates the story of the Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union, which led to the establishment of Amul, owned by millions of Gujarati dairy farmers.
- Kurien and Vijay Tendulkar co-wrote the screenplay, highlighting the collective efforts of rural communities in achieving social welfare.
- “Manthan” won several awards, including the 1977 National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.
- The film’s Cannes screening in 2024 garnered immense popularity, with tickets selling out in just 10 seconds.
- Its restoration for the Cannes festival and subsequent re-release in Indian theatres signifies its enduring cultural and historical significance.
- The movie’s narrative reflects the challenges of consensus-building in a socially divided nation.
- The anticipation surrounding the re-release underscores the enduring impact and relevance of “Manthan” in Indian cinema history.
