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Manthan

Name: Manthan
Director: Shyam Benegal
Released: 1976
Duration: 134 min

Representation Score

4.6/10

Fair

1976

Director

Shyam Benegal

Runtime

134 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Manthan is a sophisticated social realism film that emphasizes collective action over the 'heroic individual' cliché. By focusing on the cooperative movement, the film elevates the rural peasantry as the main protagonists. The narrative uses the White Revolution to critique systemic inequalities and exploitative power dynamics. It presents the struggle for economic independence as a clash between communal progress and individual greed. Despite its traditional setting, the film's focus on breaking down hierarchies offers a powerful critique of established social and economic structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does Manthan have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. It portrays a traditional rural landscape without exploring non-straight relationships or challenging typical gender roles related to sexuality.

How does Manthan portray gender?

Good

Women are shown as key decision-makers and workers in the dairy cooperative. This portrayal highlights their significant economic influence and challenges the stereotype of passive women.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Manthan?

Good

The film examines caste-based social structures and economic disparities. It focuses on the role of rural farmers in understanding how identity and social class intersect with political involvement.

How does Manthan represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film criticizes exploitative middlemen and unregulated private wealth accumulation. It promotes a collective, cooperative approach that challenges traditional local power structures and hierarchies.

Does Manthan include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any significant physical or neurodivergent disabilities. There are no characters or storylines centered around these conditions.

Present on Screen

Highlights the rural peasantry as the primary protagonists of the narrative.
Challenges traditional gender roles by giving women significant economic influence.
Offers a detailed look at how caste and class intersect with political engagement.

Limited or Absent

Does not include any representation or exploration of LGBTQ+ identities.
Does not feature characters or storylines centered around physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A veterinarian, Dr. Rao, makes a visit to a village, where he intends to commence a co-operative society dairy for the betterment of the rural people. The film is set against the backdrop of the White Revolution of India (Operation Flood) which started in 1970. It was entirely crowdfunded by 500,000 farmers who donated Rs. 2 each.

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