Doordarshan will screen the 4K restored version of Shyam Benegal’s iconic film Manthan on January 1, 2025, at 8 p.m. The special broadcast is a tribute to the legendary filmmaker, who passed away on December 23, 2024, at the age of 90 due to chronic kidney disease.
Tribute To A Cinematic Pioneer
Shyam Benegal, a pioneer of Indian parallel cinema, directed Manthan in 1976, a film inspired by Dr. Verghese Kurien’s White Revolution, which transformed India into a global leader in milk production. Funded by 500,000 Gujarat farmers contributing Rs. 2 each, the film’s opening credits famously declare, ‘500,000 Farmers of Gujarat present.’ The story follows a young veterinary doctor, played by Girish Karnad, helping rural farmers fight oppressive systems to establish a milk cooperative.
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Restoration Efforts And Screening Details
The 4K restoration of Manthan, undertaken by the Film Heritage Foundation (FHF), premiered earlier this year at the Cannes Classics section. The restoration was supported by the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (Amul). FHF shared the screening update on its official X page, inviting viewers to revisit this classic.
Nation Mourns Shyam Benegal’s Loss
Benegal’s death on December 23 left the nation in mourning. A memorial service held on December 24 in Mumbai saw tributes from industry stalwarts, including Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Javed Akhtar, and Urmila Matondkar. Known for his impactful films like Ankur (1974), Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), and Bhumika (1977), Benegal’s illustrious career spanned over five decades, earning him national and international acclaim.
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The screening of Manthan on Doordarshan serves as a fitting homage to one of India’s most celebrated filmmakers.
