The best works of filmmaker Shyam Benegal | Bollywood News

Manthan (1976)

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

The film is an inspiring story of the cooperative movement in rural India and focuses on empowering dairy farmers. Thanks to donations from thousands of farmers, the film became a milestone in participatory cinema. The film shows the resilience of marginalized communities through collective action.

Also read | Shyam Benegal, the driving force behind India’s parallel cinema movement, dies aged 90

Bhumika (1977)

Amol Palekar and Shyam Benegal on the sets 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 artist, wife and mother.

Kaljug (1981)

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

A modern retelling of the Mahabharata, Kalyug explores themes of greed, betrayal and family conflict in the corporate world. The film deals with the moral dilemmas and power struggles of two industrial families. In the film, Shyam Benegal uses the narrative to criticize capitalism and human frailty.

Mandi (1983)

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

Mandi is a satirical examination of politics, power and morality set in a brothel. The film highlights the hypocrisy of society and addresses issues such as urbanization and women’s rights. Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil deliver unforgettable performances in this bold, multi-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 independence, blending drama and documentary to explore India’s evolving identity and her To highlight persistence legacy. It was written and produced by Benegal with cinematographer VK Murthy for Doordarshan in 1988.

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 Seventh Horse of the Sun by Dharmavir Bharati, the film’s narrative revolves around a storyteller who uncovers three interconnected love stories from his past. The film explores the complexity 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 who grapples with societal constraints and personal aspirations. The film explores themes such as art, individuality and gender dynamics in a patriarchal environment.

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

Zubeidaa (2001)

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

A still from the 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 and focuses 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 from Sachin Khedekar in the title role.

Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023)

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