Manthan

Directed by Shyam Benegal and released in 1976, "Manthan" tells the story of Dr. Rao, a young veterinary surgeon arriving in a rural village in Gujarat. Determined to improve the lives of the impoverished farmers, Dr. Rao proposes a revolutionary idea: a cooperative dairy society. This initiative faces opposition from the wealthy businessman Mishraji and the village headman, who fear a loss of control. Aided by Bindu and Bhola, Dr. Rao must navigate the complexities of caste politics and social inequalities to empower the villagers and achieve self-sufficiency. The film stars Girish Karnad as Dr. Rao, Smita Patil as Bindu, Naseeruddin Shah as Bhola, and Amrish Puri as Mishraji.