Shyam Benegal, a luminary in Indian cinema, has shaped the narrative of socially conscious filmmaking with his nuanced storytelling and deep understanding of human emotions. Known for his ability to weave compelling narratives around everyday lives, Benegal's films explore the complexities of socio-economic realities, gender dynamics, and cultural traditions. From his debut masterpiece Ankur to the celebrated Manthan and Bhumika, his work transcends entertainment, offering a profound commentary on societal structures. His films stand as a testament to the power of cinema as a medium for change, earning him a revered place among India’s greatest auteurs.

This January, our tribute film festival celebrates Shyam Benegal’s unparalleled contributions to Indian cinema. Every Wednesday evening, audiences are invited to revisit his iconic works, engage with their timeless relevance, and explore his unique cinematic language. The retrospective serves as an ode to his artistic genius and an opportunity to inspire new generations of filmmakers and cinephiles to carry forward his legacy of meaningful storytelling.

Film Title: NISHANT | 1975 | 143 Mins | India | Hindi with English Subtitles

About the film: Nishant - transl. Night's End is a 1975 Hindi drama film directed by Shyam Benegal, based on an original screenplay by noted playwright Vijay Tendulkar, with dialogues by Satyadev Dubey.[1

The film features an ensemble of parallel cinema actors, including Girish Karnad, Amrish Puri, Shabana Azmi, Mohan Agashe, Anant Nag, and Sadhu Meher, with Smita Patil and Naseeruddin Shah. The film focuses on the power of the rural elite and the sexual exploitation of women during the time of feudalism in Telangana (Hyderabad State in the 1940s and 1950s).

The film won the 1977 National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. It was selected to compete for the Palme d'Or at the 1976 Cannes Film Festival. It was invited to the London Film Festival of 1976, the Melbourne International Film Festival of 1977, and the Chicago International Film Festival of 1977, where it was awarded the Golden Plaque.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is Free & Open to all!