The Cannes Film Festival 2024, currently in full swing, has embraced a touch of Indian cinema in a significant way. For the first time in three decades, an Indian film is in contention for the festival’s grand prize. Moreover, several other Indian films are being showcased, including one that first hit theatres 48 years ago.
### The Resurgence of the 1976 Bollywood Gem at Cannes 2024
Renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal’s 1976 classic, ‘Manthan,’ was screened this year at Cannes. The Film Heritage Foundation (FHF) presented a restored version of the film in the festival’s prestigious Cannes Classic section. The screening, held in the Bunuel Theatre at Cannes on Friday, May 17, witnessed the presence of notables such as Naseeruddin Shah—one of the film’s stars—accompanied by his wife Ratna Pathak Shah, FHF President Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, and the daughters of Verghese Kurien, the dairy pioneer whose life inspired the film. Prateik Babbar, son of the late actress Smita Patil who also starred in ‘Manthan,’ graced the event with his presence.
‘Manthan’ originally starred Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, Girish Karnad, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Mohan Agashe. When it was released in 1976, the film was a smashing success despite its modest budget and niche theme focused on India’s dairy revolution.
### All-Star Attendance at ‘Manthan’s’ Cannes Screening
The screening event at Cannes was marked by the attendance of Ratna Pathak Shah, Naseeruddin Shah, and Prateik Babbar, adding a fresh layer of charm to the nostalgic reprisal. Their presence not only underscored the film’s enduring appeal but also paid homage to the monumental work done by the original team behind the film.
### Behind ‘Manthan’: A Tale of Five Lakh Producers
The making of ‘Manthan’ is a unique chapter in Indian cinematic history, primarily because it was India’s first crowdfunded film. Shyam Benegal faced considerable difficulties in finding financiers willing to invest in a film centered on dairy farming—a subject far removed from mainstream Bollywood’s usual fare. Ultimately, it was the dairy farmers of India who came to the film’s rescue. About five lakh farmers collectively contributed Rs 2 each, cumulatively raising Rs 10 lakh—a substantial portion of the film’s total production cost of Rs 12 lakh.
. This financial support effectively made the farmers the unofficial producers of the film.
### How ‘Manthan’ Paved the Way for Amul
The success of ‘Manthan’ went beyond box office numbers; it played a significant role in promoting the Anand Milk Union Limited (AMUL), the dairy cooperative that served as the real-life backdrop for the film. Before the release of ‘Manthan,’ AMUL was primarily a regional player. However, the film’s widespread acclaim helped elevate AMUL to a national presence. Today, AMUL stands as a Rs 52000-crore enterprise, thanks in no small part to the visibility and validation that ‘Manthan’ provided.
### A Glance at Cannes’ Indian Line-up
This year’s Cannes Film Festival has spotlighted several Indian productions apart from Shyam Benegal’s ‘Manthan.’ The re-introduction of such classic films offers a window into India’s rich cinematic past while creating opportunities for discussions on the historical and cultural contexts these films narrate.
### Looking Ahead: The Impact of ‘Manthan’ on Global Stage
The inclusion of ‘Manthan’ in the Cannes Classics section helps to reinforce not just the film’s artistic value, but also its socio-economic impact. It exemplifies how cinema can serve as a catalyst for real-world change and underscores the importance of preserving and restoring cinematic history.
### The Resounding Success of a Low-budget Wonder
Despite its niche subject, ‘Manthan’ triumphed at the box office, illustrating that compelling storytelling and genuine characters can resonate widely regardless of the film’s budget or the mainstream trends of the era. It serves as an inspiring example for filmmakers worldwide on the impact of grassroots support and the significance of narrative authenticity.
The screening at Cannes is not just a moment of nostalgia but a recognition of a timeless piece of cinematic art that continues to inspire and educate audiences globally. As ‘Manthan’ basks in its renewed glory, it reaffirms the power of community-driven projects and the enduring legacy of impactful storytelling.
The Cannes Film Festival 2024, with its celebration of this Indian classic, serves as a poignant reminder of the global influence of Indian cinema.
