Cannes: Son Prateik Babbar Attends Late Smita Patil's 'Manthan' Screening

In an exciting development for film enthusiasts, the restored version of Shyam Benegal's 1976 film Manthan graced the latest edition of the Cannes Film Festival. The announcement was made by Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, the founder of the Film Heritage Foundation (FHF), highlighting the significance of this iconic movie in India's cinematic history.

Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Prateik Babbar Attend 'Manthan' Screening

The movie, featuring Naseeruddin Shah, Girish Karnad, Smita Patil, and Amrish Puri, premiered at a prestigious gala at Salle Bunuel yesterday, May 17. Photos from the screening that went live on May 18 show Naseeruddin Shah, his spouse and actor Ratna Pathak Shah, the late Smita Patil's son Prateik Babbar, and Verghese Kurien's daughter Nirmala Kurien were among the attendees. Dressed in ethnic outfits, they all look excited as they pose for the camera, representing India on the global stage.

Prateik Patil Babbar expressed deep emotion as his late mother Smita Patil's film will be screened at the Cannes Film Festival in the Cannes Classics segment. Speaking with Hindustan Times, he shared, "My mother is going to be celebrated. It is a big moment for me and my family. For me specifically it is extremely symbolic. I am a very proud son. This moment reminds me of how amazing a woman she us and how I am lucky to be her son"

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by prateik patil babbar (@_prat)

Restored Classic Manthan to Shine at the Cannes Film Festival

Manthan, starring the acclaimed Smita Patil, draws its inspiration from the revolutionary milk cooperative movement spearheaded by Verghese Kurien, known for transforming India into the world's largest milk producer through 'Operation Flood.' The film is a testament to the collective efforts of 500,000 farmers who contributed Rs. 2 each to fund its production.

This restored gem was showcased under the 'Cannes Classics' section, a prestigious platform within the Cannes Film Festival that celebrates cinematic heritage through restored prints, special screenings, and documentaries. Manthan joins a distinguished lineup of films recognised for their cultural and historical significance.

More About Manthan

Manthan, also known as The Churning, is a significant film in Indian cinema, recognised with the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi in 1977. Its compelling narrative intertwines the success of the White Revolution with a profound message about collective strength and empowerment.

Smita Patil portrayed a variety of rural characters, but Bindu's unfiltered, bold feminism in Manthan leaves a powerful impression. "Small cinema began with the portrayal of the real Indian woman, who happens to be very much a ‘zamin ki aurat’ ... ‘mitti ki aurat’ (woman of the earth). I am continuing to do earthy roles because I am that sort of a person myself. I was fortunate that I could extend the kind of person I am to the roles that were given to me in the beginning of my career," she said once in 1985.

The film's title song, Mero Gaam Katha Parey, sung by Preeti Sagar, earned her the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer. Over the years, this song has become synonymous with the iconic Amul commercials, adding to the cultural impact of Manthan.

The journey of Manthan from grassroots crowdfunding to international acclaim at Cannes is a true achievement.