Filmmaker Shyam Benegal’s best works

Manthan (1976)

Girish Karnad and Naseeruddin Shah in Manthan. (Express archive photo)

The movie is an inspiring tale of the cooperative movement in rural India, focusing on dairy farmers’ empowerment. Funded by contributions from thousands of farmers, it became a landmark film in participatory cinema. The film showcases the resilience of marginalised communities through collective action.

Also Read | Shyam Benegal, the force behind India’s parallel cinema movement, dies at 90

Bhumika (1977)

Amol Palekar and Shyam Benegal on the set of Bhumika. (Express archive photo)

Inspired by the life of Marathi actress Hansa Wadkar, Bhumika explores a woman’s quest for independence amid societal expectations and personal turmoil. Smita Patil delivers a career-defining performance as the protagonist torn between her roles as an artiste, wife, and mother.

Kalyug (1981)

Shyam Benegal and Shashi Kapoor on the set of Kalyug. (Express archive photo)

A modern retelling of the Mahabharata, Kalyug explores themes of greed, betrayal, and family conflict set in the corporate world. The film delves into two industrialist families’ moral dilemmas and power struggles. In the film, Shyam Benegal uses the narrative to critique capitalism and human frailty.

Mandi (1983)

Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil in Mandi. (Express archive photo)

Mandi is a satirical take on politics, power, and morality set in a brothel. The film highlights the hypocrisy of society while addressing issues like urbanisation and women’s agency. Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil deliver memorable performances in this bold, layered narrative.

Bharat Ek Khoj (1988)

Naseeruddin Shah in Bharat Ek Khoj. (Express archive photo)

This 53-episode Indian television series, based on Jawaharlal Nehru’s The Discovery of India (1946), explores India’s rich history, cultural diversity, and philosophical heritage from ancient times to the Independence, blending drama and documentary to highlight India’s evolving identity and its enduring legacy. It was written and produced by Benegal with cinematographer VK Murthy in 1988 for Doordarshan.

Also Read | What Shyam Benegal said about making one of the most difficult films of his career

Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda (1992)

Pallavi Joshi in Suraj Ka Satvan Ghora. (Express archive photo)

Based on the novel The Sun’s Seventh Horse by Dharmavir Bharati, the film’s narrative revolves around a storyteller unravelling three interconnected love stories from his past. The film explores the complexities of human relationships and social hierarchies. Shyam Benegal’s non-linear storytelling challenges conventional cinematic structures.

Sardari Begum (1996)

Kirron Kher in Sardari Begum. (Express archive photo)

Sardari Begum is a tribute to the life and struggles of a classical singer navigating societal constraints and personal aspirations. The film explores themes of art, individuality, and gender dynamics in a patriarchal setup.

Shyam Benegal and Manoj Bajpai on the set of Zubeidaa. (Express archive photo)

Zubeidaa (2001)

Zubeidaa tells the tragic story of a free-spirited woman trapped by societal norms and personal dreams. Featuring Karishma Kapoor in a National Award-winning role, the film is a poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and ambition.

A Still from film Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2005)

This historical epic chronicles the life of Subhas Chandra Bose, focusing on his role in India’s struggle for independence. Shyam Benegal captures Bose’s vision, sacrifices, and the controversies surrounding his methods with historical accuracy. The film features powerful performances, particularly by Sachin Khedekar in the titular role.

Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023)

This biographical film about Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, chronicles his life, leadership during the Liberation War and his vision for an independent Bangladesh. Towing on the film’s release, in 2024, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Rahman’s daughter, resigned and fled to India as protesters stormed her residence and office in Dhaka amidst a massive uprising.