In the mid-1970s, half a million dairy farmers in Gujarat, a western state of India, each contributed two rupees to create a groundbreaking film. Directed by the esteemed Shyam Benegal, "Manthan" (The Churning) emerged as India's first crowdfunded movie. This 134-minute film, released in 1976, portrayed the origins of a dairy cooperative movement that transformed India from a milk-deficient nation to the world's largest milk producer.
What Is "Manthan" About?
"Manthan" tells a fictionalized story inspired by Verghese Kurien, known as the "Milkman of India." Kurien's initiatives revolutionized milk production in India, leading to what is now known as Operation Flood. The film depicts how a city-bred government veterinary doctor and his team arrive in a divided Gujarat village to start a dairy cooperative, facing resistance from local power players.
Why Is "Manthan" Significant?
The film is a microcosmic picture of transformative politics and social critique. It explores the challenges of government intervention in rural areas and the resistance to social and economic changes. With a stellar cast including Girish Karnad, Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, and Amrish Puri, the film vividly brings to life the struggles and triumphs of the dairy cooperative movement.
How Was "Manthan" Restored?
Nearly 50 years after its release, "Manthan" has been pristinely restored and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The restoration was a challenging process overseen by filmmaker Shivendra Singh Dungarpur. The only remaining materials were a damaged negative and two faded prints. The negative had been damaged by fungus, and the sound negative was entirely destroyed. The restoration team salvaged the visual elements from the negative and one of the prints and digitized the sound from the surviving print. The final restoration, completed over 17 months, resulted in a stunning 4K ultra high-definition version of the film.
What Challenges Did the Cast and Crew Face?
Shooting "Manthan" on a tight budget was demanding. The crew lived in a village for 45 days, where they used a mix of different film stocks to complete the movie. Actors like Naseeruddin Shah fully immersed themselves in their roles, living in huts, learning to make cow dung cakes, and milking buffaloes. This dedication contributed to the film's authentic portrayal of rural life.
What Impact Did "Manthan" Have?
"Manthan" was initially released in Gujarat to an enthusiastic response, particularly from the farmers who had funded it. The film resonated deeply with its audience, leading to widespread screenings across India and even internationally, including at the UN General Assembly. It won a National Award and helped propagate the milk revolution by inspiring farmers nationwide to establish their own cooperatives.
Why Is "Manthan" Still Relevant?
Benegal believes "Manthan" serves as a powerful reminder of cinema's ability to drive change. The film's exploration of rural development, social justice, and economic empowerment continues to resonate today. Its opening scene, where a train unexpectedly arrives on time, humorously sets the stage for a narrative about transformation and progress.
FAQs
Q: What inspired the making of "Manthan"?
A: The film was inspired by Verghese Kurien's work in revolutionizing India's dairy industry through cooperative movements.
Q: How was the film funded?
A: Half a million dairy farmers in Gujarat contributed two rupees each to fund the film.
Q: Who directed "Manthan"?
A: Shyam Benegal, a revered Indian filmmaker, directed the film.
Q: What challenges were faced during the restoration of "Manthan"?
A: The restoration involved salvaging a damaged negative and faded prints, digitizing sound from the surviving print, and a meticulous digital cleanup process.
Q: What was the impact of "Manthan" on Indian society?
A: The film inspired widespread cooperative movements among farmers, contributing significantly to India's transformation into the world's largest milk producer.
"Manthan" is not just a film but a testament to the power of collective effort and cinema's role in societal change. Its journey from a crowdfunded project to a globally recognized classic highlights the enduring impact of storytelling rooted in real-life struggles and triumphs.
