Mani Kaul

Indian filmmaker

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July 23, 2026

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Mani Kaul was a prominent Indian filmmaker associated with the "parallel cinema" movement, which emerged in the late 1970s and 1980s as a counterpoint to mainstream Bollywood. This movement focused on compelling social issues like caste discrimination, poverty, and gender equality, often operating on small budgets and eschewing traditional stars.1

Kaul directed influential films such as Uski Roti (1969) and Duvidha (1973), contributing to a wave of art house cinema that explored complex themes and realistic storytelling. This parallel cinema movement, supported by government initiatives like the Film Institute of India, fostered a generation of talented actors and directors who prioritized substance over commercial appeal.12

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Bollywood
Parallel cinema
…led by directors such as Mani Kaul (Uski Roti [1969; “Another’s Bread”], Duvidha [1973; “Dilemma”]), Shyam Benegal (Ankur [1974; “Seedling”], Nishant [1975; “Night’s End”], Bhumika [1977; “Role”]), and Govind Nihalani (Aakrosh [1980; “Outrage”], Ardh Satya [1983; “Half Truth”]). Operating on small budgets precluded the casting of stars
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…led by directors such as Mani Kaul (Uski Roti [1969; “Another’s Bread”], Duvidha [1973; “Dilemma”]), Shyam Benegal (Ankur [1974; “Seedling”], Nishant [1975; “Night’s End”], Bhumika [1977; “Role”]), and Govind Nihalani (Aakrosh [1980; “Outrage”], Ardh Satya [1983; “Half Truth”]). Operating on small budgets precluded the casting of stars
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