The Cannes Film Festival recently featured a special screening of Shyam Benegal’s classic film, Manthan, as part of the Cannes Classics segment. The event saw the presence of notable actors Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Prateik Patil Babbar, who graced the red carpet, making the occasion even more memorable.
The screening was a star-studded affair with Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Prateik Patil Babbar in attendance. Naseeruddin Shah looked elegant in a cream-colored sherwani, exuding a traditional charm. Ratna Pathak Shah radiated elegance in a golden sari paired with a redesigned lavender blouse, adding a touch of contemporary flair to her classic attire. Prateik Patil Babbar chose a sleek black suit, accessorizing it with a scarf that belonged to his late mother, the esteemed actor Smita Patil. Prateik shared his look on Instagram, honoring his mother’s legacy and connecting his present to his past.
The Manthan Team at Cannes
The screening of Manthan was a significant event at Cannes, not just for its cinematic value but also for the emotional and historical connections it carries. The Film Heritage Foundation, responsible for the film’s restoration, shared numerous pictures from the screening, capturing the essence of the evening. Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, the founder of the Film Heritage Foundation, was also present, highlighting the importance of preserving and celebrating classic films.
The evening was truly unforgettable, with the restored version of Manthan premiering to an appreciative audience. The screening concluded with a standing ovation for Naseeruddin Shah, a testament to his enduring impact on cinema and the high quality of the film’s restoration. The Film Heritage Foundation expressed their joy on Instagram, stating, “It was a truly memorable evening as FHF’s restoration of ‘Manthan’ had its world premiere yesterday at the Festival de Cannes 2024, ending with a standing ovation for Naseeruddin Shah and much appreciation for the quality of the restoration from the audience. We wish Shyam Benegal had been with us to enjoy the moment.”
The Legacy of Manthan
Manthan holds a special place in Indian cinema. Co-written by Shyam Benegal and renowned playwright Vijay Tendulkar, the film was unique in its funding. It was entirely crowdfunded by 500,000 farmers who each donated ₹2, a groundbreaking initiative at the time. This collective effort underscores the deep connection between the film and the people it represents.
The restoration of Manthan was a meticulous process. According to the festival’s official website, the restoration was carried out using the original 35mm camera negative preserved at the NFDC-National Film Archive of India. The sound was digitized from the 35mm release print preserved by the Film Heritage Foundation. This careful restoration process ensured that the film could be enjoyed by new audiences while preserving its historical and cultural significance.
The screening of Manthan at the Cannes Film Festival was a celebration of cinematic history and heritage. The presence of esteemed actors like Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Prateik Patil Babbar added a touch of star power to the event. The efforts of the Film Heritage Foundation in restoring this classic film were met with appreciation and applause, ensuring that Manthan continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
