Watch Cast in India

Cast in India is a 2014 documentary film directed by Natasha Raheja. This documentary explores the world of manufacturing and crafting manhole covers, which is prevalent in India. It focuses on the life of the people who have been devoted to the craft of creating these intricate and essential manhole covers, which are used to cover underground utility vaults, sewers and access points.

The film starts by introducing the viewers to the process of manhole cover manufacturing, which is not just limited to melting iron and casting them into shapes. The film shows the art involved in making these covers, starting from the raw materials to the delicate details that make them so unique. The viewers are taken through the process of crafting these covers, and they get a glimpse of how much effort is put into making them.

This 78-minute documentary features numerous factories in India where manhole covers are made. The movie reflects on how the craft of manhole cover-making has been passed down from one generation to the next, and the pride the workers take in their workmanship. The film also highlights the challenges that the industry faces, including tough competition from inexpensive Chinese imports and the increasing use of pre-fabricated materials.

The documentary features interviews with workers in these factories, who explain how they became involved with manhole cover-making and why they are passionate about it. The interviews are a peek into the lives of these workers, providing insights into their struggles, joys, and their love for the work they do. However, the movie also shows that the life of a worker in these factories is not always pleasant and that they have to deal with a lot of physical labour in tough conditions.

What makes this documentary even more unique is that it captures the perspective of the manhole covers themselves. The manhole covers are seen as an essential part of a city's infrastructure, and the film shows how they are connected to people's lives in many ways. The manhole covers reveal their stories, and the viewers get to see how these covers are not just objects but have a soul and a spirit too.

The film is masterfully produced with a stunning sound design and score that captures the sounds of the factories and the city surrounding them. The cinematography features a mix of wide shots and close-ups, allowing the viewers to get an intimate look at the craft and the people involved. Raheja’s direction is superb, allowing the viewers to get emotionally invested in the people and the craft of manhole cover-making.

Overall, Cast in India is a unique and captivating documentary that offers a fascinating look into the craft, culture and the people behind the making of the essential manhole covers. It’s a movie that offers insight into the role that a manhole cover plays in the city's infrastructure, and the skill and dedication required to make them. The documentary sheds light on the neglected side of the infrastructure and is a great tribute to the workers who create it. It’s a film that's not just about manhole covers, but about the unsung heroes of the city, and their contribution to making a city a liveable place.

Cast in India is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 26 minutes.