Prateik Patil Babbar says he is a “proud son” since Manthan, the film starring the late Smita Patil, will be exhibited at the Cannes film festival.

Prateik Patil Babbar is getting emotional as Manthan, the 1976 film starring his late mother, Smita Patil, will be shown in the Cannes Classics section of the festival.

Prateik Patil Babbar tells in a recent interview, “My mother is going to be celebrated,” before boarding his flight to France today. “It’s a significant occasion for my family and me. Particularly for me, it has great symbolic meaning. I’m a really happy son. I am fortunate to be her son.”

“I was aware of it all along. I used to hear the film’s making tale from my grandma and aunt. As my grandfather was a farmer as well, I was always encouraged to take pride in my ancestry. I also watch my mom’s movies a lot; it’s like watching Friends for me—you always know what’s going to happen next, but you still watch,” Prateik continues.

After learning about the screening a few days before, Prateik Patil Babbar postponed all of his work-related obligations. His visa arrived two days ago.

Manthan is a remarkable movie in addition because it was crowdfunded; five lakh dairy farmers contributed ₹2 apiece to the movie’s production.