THE classic Indian film Manthan (The Churning) not only redefined the boundaries of cinematic storytelling but also set a strong precedent for the power of collective effort.
The 1976 crowdfunded drama, directed by Shyam Benegal, tells the story of rural dairy farmers who unite to form a cooperative and challenge the existing power dynamics in their society. It was widely celebrated for its compelling narrative, powerful performances, and social impact on India.
In 2024, the restored version of Manthan received a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival, reminding the world of its enduring relevance. Since then, it has been re-released in cinemas across India and will also be screened at this month’s BFI London Film Festival.
Eastern Eye took a closer look at some fascinating facts about Manthan:
The pioneering film was crowdfunded by 5,00,000 farmers, each contributing `2 (2 pence) towards its production. This initiative was spearheaded by the National Dairy Development Board and its then-chairman, Dr Verghese Kurien, who aimed to tell the story of the White Revolution, which transformed India from a milk-deficient nation into the world’s largest milk producer.
Director Shyam Benegal followed up his National Award-winning films Ankur (1974) and Nishant (1975) with Manthan (1976), which won the National Film Award for best feature film in Hindi and best screenplay.
Manthan was filmed on location in rural Gujarat, giving it an authentic feel. The use of real villages and local residents as extras added to the film’s powerful portrayal of rural life.
The film featured then-newcomers Girish Karnad, Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, and Amrish Puri, who would all go on to become icons of Indian cinema.
Girish Karnad’s role as Dr Rao was inspired by Dr Verghese Kurien, the architect of the White Revolution and a co-writer of Manthan.
Smita Patil’s character, Bindu, powerfully represented the rural women who were very crucial to the success of the dairy cooperatives.
Composer Vanraj Bhatia blended traditional folk music with contemporary compositions, adding emotional depth to the story.
The film’s iconic song Mero Gaam Katha Parey won Preeti Sagar, the Filmfare award for best female playback singer.
Manthan emphasised the importance of selfreliance and collective action, themes that resonated with audiences across India.
The award-winning drama was screened at international festivals and was India’s official entry for best foreign language film at the Academy Awards.
Manthan inspired a generation of filmmakers to explore socially relevant themes such as agriculture, rural development, and the struggles of ordinary people.
The title Manthan, meaning ‘churning’ in Hindi, symbolises the upheaval in rural India and the transformative process leading to empowerment and self-sufficiency, much like the churning of milk to produce butter.
When the film was released, many farmers who had contributed to its funding arrived in large numbers at theatres, creating a unique scenario where the audience had a direct stake in the film’s creation.
Beyond its cinematic success, Manthan raised national awareness of the challenges faced by rural farmers and the transformative potential of cooperative movements. The film has since been used as an educational tool in institutions to discuss rural development, cooperative movements, and social justice.
The Film Heritage Foundation meticulously restored Manthan to 4K quality using original elements, including the 35mm camera negative preserved at the National Film Archive of India.
The restored version of Manthan was screened at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, attended by original cast member Naseeruddin Shah, and received a five-minute standing ovation.
Manthan will be screened at the London Film Festival, running from next Wednesday (9) - October 20. whatson.bfi.org.uk
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.