Filmmaker Shyam Benegal recently shared his experiences from the shooting of his iconic film Manthan, which was shot in 1975 and released in 1976. The film’s restored version is set to have a special run in theaters, following its red-carpet world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Benegal is delighted by the restoration, noting that the film has never looked as good as it does now.
Memories from Sanganva
Benegal recalls the shooting in Sanganva, a small village near Rajkot, Gujarat. The entire cast and crew, including Naseeruddin Shah and Smita Patil, moved to the village due to the film’s tight budget. Remarkably, the budget was partially funded by Rs 2 contributions from each farmer working with Amul, making them producers of the film. The filmmaker likened the experience to camping, with the crew living in two houses and cooking for themselves.
Challenges of Filming
Benegal highlighted the challenges faced during the production. The crew had to deal with a noisy camera, requiring them to use a mattress to dampen the sound. Additionally, everything was recorded on the spot, leading to a sync shooting process. Benegal humorously described the experience as “reinventing photography,” noting the many obstacles they overcame to complete the film.
Restored Version’s Quality
Expressing his joy at the film’s restored version, Benegal noted that this is the first time he has seen Manthan in such high quality. He praised the restoration team’s efforts, highlighting the extraordinary improvement in the print quality compared to the original. Benegal admitted that only after seeing the restored version did he fully appreciate the hard work and dedication that went into making the film.
Cast’s Dedication
Benegal shared anecdotes about the dedication of the cast, particularly Naseeruddin Shah and Smita Patil. Shah was known for his heavy weed smoking, which worried Benegal about his performance. Despite these concerns, Shah delivered an impressive performance. Both actors were instructed to wear the same costumes throughout the shoot, and while Shah took this literally and didn’t change his clothes, Patil diligently washed her outfits, ensuring they remained presentable.
Life in the Village
Living in Sanganva was a unique experience for the cast and crew. They stayed in houses with minimal amenities and adapted to a communal lifestyle. The days were marked by the struggle to keep flies away using incense sticks, and the cold winters added to the challenges. Despite these hardships, the team became a close-knit unit, making the 45-50 days of shooting a memorable experience.
A Film That Endures
Nearly five decades after its release, Manthan remains a significant film in Indian cinema. The restoration and re-release of the film allow new generations to experience its brilliance. For Benegal, the revival of Manthan is a testament to the film’s enduring impact and the dedication of everyone involved in its creation.