Manthan (1976), directed by Shyam Benegal, is a landmark of Indian parallel cinema. Inspired by the true story of Indias cooperative dairy movement, it follows a young veterinarian who arrives in a rural village to help organize farmers against exploitation. A powerful blend of political and social drama, the film is remembered both for its realism and for being the first Indian film crowd-funded by 500,000 farmers.

Shyam Benegal (1934 2024) is one of Indias most venerated filmmakers whose early films were iconic in Indias Parallel Cinema movement. Manthan (The Churning, 1976) is not only one of his finest films, but its existence is also unique: 500,000 farmers contributed 2 rupees each towards the film, making history as the first-ever crowd-funded production.

Manthan tells the story of the extraordinary dairy cooperative movement that transformed India from a milk-deficient nation to the worlds largest milk producer. The movement broke the shackles of economic inequality and caste discrimination whilst empowering the farmers. Manthan was integral to spreading the message of the benefits of the cooperative to farmers across the country and thus became a vital part of building that movement.

Manthan is presented from a beautiful new 4K restoration by Film Heritage Foundation.

Från IMDB:
A young veterinary surgeon, Dr. Rao, who makes a visit to a village, where he intends to commence a co-operative society dairy for the betterment of the rural people.

EXTRAS:

- Manthan (1976) presented from the new 4K restoration by Film Heritage Foundation.

- Manthan Reborn: A film on the legacy and restoration of the film, including footage from the 2024 Indian premiere of the restoration, and an interview with the late director Shyam Benegal.

- Manthan at Cannes 2024: Film Heritage Foundation founder Shivendra Singh Dungarpur and actor Naseeruddin Shah interviewed