Manthan (Blu-ray)
Shyam Benegal (1934-2024) was one of India’s most venerated filmmakers whose early films were iconic in India’s Parallel Cinema movement.
His 1976 film Manthan is a potent, political landmark in Indian independent filmmaking. Its existence is also unique: 500,000 dairy farmers each contributed two rupees to its production, making it the first ever 'crowd-funded' film. Shyam Benegal’s groundbreaking film is a powerful exploration of gender, class, and caste inequalities in rural Gujarat.
With luminous cinematography that captures the rhythms and textures of village life, Benegal infuses this stark political tale with visual poetry. A remarkable synthesis of artistic vision and social commitment, Manthan is a testament to the enduring power of cinema to inspire social change.
Manthan is presented from a beautiful new 4K restoration by Film Heritage Foundation which premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
Region Free Blu-ray (Australian compatible).
Special Features
- Manthan (1976) presented from the new 4K restoration by Film Heritage Foundation.
- Manthan Reborn: A film on the history and restoration of the film, including footage from the 2024 Indian premiere, including an interview with the late director Shyam Benegal.
- Manthan at Cannes 2024: Film Heritage Foundation founder Shivendra Singh Dungarpur and actor Naseeruddin Shah interviewed by broadcaster Anupama Chopra.
- 24-page booklet with new writing by Omar Ahmed, and words by Shyam Benegal, Naseeruddin Shah, cinematographer Govind Nihalani, plus Shivendra Singh Dungarpur on the restoration.
- New English subtitle translation.
- Region free Blu-ray (A/B/C).
- World premiere release on Blu-ray.