A veterinarian, Dr. Rao, makes a visit to a village, where he intends to commence a co-operative society dairy for the betterment of the rural people. The film is set against the backdrop of the White Revolution of India (Operation Flood) which started in 1970. It was entirely crowdfunded by 500,000 farmers who donated Rs. 2 each.
Acting
Smita Patil's simmering restraint, Naseeruddin's wounded dignity
Direction
Benegal's documentary-fiction hybrid, no villains just systems
Production
Real farmers funded it — authenticity baked into frame
Director
Shyam Benegal
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Each donor received a postcard from Shyam Benegal; many attended the premiere in their own villages.
Released during the Emergency, its portrayal of grassroots democracy felt almost subversive — state TV barely aired it.
IN
