Smita Patil’s Manthan lives on even after close to five decades!

Shyam Benegal announced the release of his film "Manthan" (1976), restored by the Film Heritage Foundation in association with the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. in 50 cities and over 100 cinemas across India on June 1 and 2, 2024. 

Benegal shared a few details about the making of the remarkable film produced by 500,000 farmers and its restoration by FHF Director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur. 

Smita's Magic at Cannes

The 77th Cannes Film Festival 2024 will remain special for me; why? Simply because it is the people who make it unique. My fan-girl moment started as a kid when I first saw Smita in Jait-Re-Jait — a Marathi classic released in 1977 — and my journey will continue until I am on this earth, admiring the powerhouse "Smita Patil."

The star cast of Manthan is a powerhouse house by itself. To see Naseeruddin Shah reliving those moments on a global platform with Smita's son is nothing short of nostalgia, which will linger on for a few more decades.

What is death? It is merely a separation of existence. People whom we love continue to live in our hearts. Manthan would never have been such a masterpiece without the contribution of all the stakeholders. This feature would be incomplete without mentioning Girish Karnad, who played Dr. Manohar Rao. 

Cannes was special for two distinct reasons. One is that Prateik Patil Babbar — son of late actress Smita Patil and actor Raj Babbar— attended a screening of Manthan with none other than Naseeruddin Shah, who also played the role of "Bhola" in the movie. I can only attempt to empathize with the golden moments of watching "Manthan" with the duo Prateik and Naseeruddin Shah trying to be close to Smita with her work and legacy.

Smita attended the Cannes Film Festival in 1976 with Shabana Azmi and Shyam Benegal for the film Nishant. Smita Patil's film "Manthan," directed by Shyam Benegal, remains a cornerstone of Indian cinema, celebrated for its poignant storytelling and social relevance. 

For those unfamiliar, "Manthan"—released in 1976—is set against the backdrop of the White Revolution in India, a movement aimed at transforming the country's dairy industry. The film portrays the struggles and triumphs of rural dairy farmers as they come together to form a cooperative, challenging the exploitative structures that have long held them back. 

Smita Patil's riveting performance as a resilient and compassionate villager, Bindu, breathed life into the narrative, making her an enduring icon in Indian cinema.

The significance of "Manthan" extends beyond its cinematic achievements; it also encapsulates a critical moment in India's socio-economic history. The film itself became a symbol of collective effort and empowerment. The authenticity and grassroots involvement lend "Manthan" an unparalleled sense of realism and relatability, making it a timeless piece of art.

Decades after its release, "Manthan" resonates with audiences, reflecting rural communities' ongoing struggles and aspirations. The film's enduring relevance is a testament to its powerful narrative, brilliant performances, and honest portrayal of social issues. Smita Patil's legacy, bolstered by her role in "Manthan," continues to inspire and influence new generations of actors and filmmakers. In a rapidly changing world, "Manthan" is a reminder of the power of collective action and the enduring spirit of resilience.

Not to miss Preeti Sagar’s famous Hindi track  “Mero gaam kaatha parey, Jaha doodh ki nadiya baahe, Jaha koyal toh koh gaye Mhare ghar angna na bhoolo na”. Smita’s haunting attire of earthy, vibrant red and black ghagra-choli while playing the character of “Bindu” will be eternal.

As Manthan returns, all Smita fans have a reason to head to the theatres.

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Authored by: Sandhya DMello

Sandhya D’Mello loves to cover movies, theatre, and art and subtly lives her aspiration to find life and love that bonds humanity.