The National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA) is showcasing the restored Hindi classics ‘Manthan’ and ‘In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones’. These films hold historical significance in India’s cultural and cinematic landscape. ‘Manthan’, directed by Shyam Benegal, delves into India’s White Revolution and the cooperative dairy movement led by Verghese Kurien. Starring Girish Karnad, Smita Patil, and Naseeruddin Shah, the film garnered critical acclaim, winning national and international awards.
The festival’s founder, Anupam Sharma, emphasized the importance of broadening access to such iconic stories. He highlighted the efforts to bring these cinematic gems to audiences beyond major cities, reaching regional viewers across Australia. ‘In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones’, a Hindi-English television film directed by Pradip Krishen, offers a glimpse into student life at an architecture college. Notable for its realistic portrayal, the film features early performances by Shah Rukh Khan and Manoj Bajpayee.
Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, the founder Director of Film Heritage Foundation, stressed the significance of film restoration in preserving cultural heritage. Through NIFFA’s screenings, these narratives are being shared with diverse audiences, fostering cultural appreciation and dialogue. The initiative aims to revive interest in India’s cinematic legacy and spark discussions among viewers of all generations.
Screenings of both films are scheduled in Sydney, Canberra, and Perth, offering audiences a chance to relive these cinematic masterpieces in theaters.
