For the third year in a row, Prasad Corp and Film Heritage Foundation have achieved a significant milestone at the Cannes Film Festival, showcasing their dedication to film preservation and restoration. This year, they proudly presented the red-carpet world premiere of the 4K restoration of Shyam Benegal’s iconic film “Manthan” (1976).
“Manthan,” India’s pioneering crowdfunded film supported by 500,000 farmers, narrates the inspiring story of the dairy cooperative movement led by Verghese Kurien, the Father of the White Revolution. The restoration was a collaborative effort involving Prasad Corporation, Film Heritage Foundation, and Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. This project honors the contributions of acclaimed cinematographer Govind Nihalani and esteemed director Shyam Benegal.
The meticulous restoration process used the best surviving elements, including the 35 mm original camera negative preserved at the NFDC-National Film Archive of India. The sound was digitized from a 35 mm release print maintained by the Film Heritage Foundation. This meticulous digitization ensured that “Manthan” was restored to its former glory, capturing the essence of the original cinematic experience.
The premiere was attended by luminaries such as actor Naseeruddin Shah, the family of actress Smita Patil, and the film’s producers. Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, Director of Film Heritage Foundation, also graced the event, highlighting the collaborative success of the restoration effort.
Prasad Corp and Film Heritage Foundation’s continued success at Cannes underscores their commitment to preserving India’s cinematic heritage for future generations.
