Mrinal Sen

As Indian-Americans excel and India’s economy expands, perceptions are being rewritten. Not everyone in the US is comfortable with that new reality.

This year's Bengali cinema features a surge of political films exploring diverse themes. From Hindutva ideology and student activism to revolutionary journeys and exposes of past regimes, these movies delve into societal issues, individual psychology, and historical events, sparking conversations about resistance, accountability, and the complexities of power.

It’s a fitting tribute to the maverick storyteller on his fourth death anniversary. The official announcement of a biopic on legendary filmmaker Mrinal Sen made every cine buffs in Bengal super excited. While the film ‘Padatik’ will be directed by Srijit Mukherji, acclaimed actor Chanchal Chowdhury is set to play the titular role of Mrinal Sen.

Srijit Mukherji's 'Padatik' teaser, honoring Mrinal Sen, features Chanchal Chowdhury. The black-and-white teaser captures Bengal's tumultuous time, reflecting Sen's life and career. Monami Ghosh, Jeetu Kamal, and Korak Samanta star. Music by Indraadip Dasgupta. Release date TBD. Teaser opens with Rabindranath Tagore's funeral procession, showcases political upheavals, and Sen's focus on reality over fantasy.

Srijit Mukherji, amidst promoting 'Dawshom Awbotaar,' is also spotlighting 'Padatik,' a tribute film honoring iconic director Mrinal Sen, set to close the London Indian Film Festival. Coinciding Mrinal Sen's birth centenary celebrations, it traces his life from a struggling political idealist to a pioneering filmmaker in 1950s Calcutta. The film stars Chanchal Chowdhury as Sen and explores his influential works in Indian cinema. Mukherji, influenced by Sen, Ray, and others, uses 'Padatik' to pay homage to the legendary director.

When Anjan Dutt was in trouble while presenting Mrinal Sen’s ‘Mahaprithibi’ in East Germany

Two days after the legend’s birthday, CT relives his famous screen moments

Just like Satyajit Ray or Ritwik Ghatak, generations of filmmakers have been influenced and inspired by another Indian cinema maverick Mrinal Sen as well. And, on Mrinal Sen’s 99th birthday recently, acclaimed directors from Bengal came up with fitting tributes for the iconic filmmaker.

'Palan', directed by Kaushik Ganguly, serves as a heartfelt tribute to legendary filmmaker Mrinal Sen, exploring themes closely tied to social norms and systemic issues, as encapsulated by Mrinal Sen’s work iconic film 'Kharij'. Ganguly, amidst emotions and retrospection, reveals his deeply ingrained admiration and respect for Sen. In an interview, he confides that the latter's films not only shaped his cinematic perspective but also fostered an enduring understanding of societal disparities, prompting him to create "Palan" as a reflective dialogue on persisting societal dilemmas.

On his birth anniversary on May 14, the doyen of Bengali cinema, Mrinal Sen’s fans have some welcome news: the biopic on Mrinal Sen being directed by Srijit Mukherjee is almost complete.

Kaushik Ganguly's next film ‘Palan’ is a tribute to Mrinal Sen and his iconic film 'Kharij' which won the Jury Prize at the 1983 Cannes Film Festival. Kaushik's film sees Anjan Dutt, Sreela Majumdar, and Mamata Shankar reprising their roles from 'Kharaj', while Jisshu Sengupta and Paoli Dam are the new addition to the ensemble cast. After a long delay, the Mrinal Sen tribute film is finally set to release in theatres on September 22.

While he’s still basking on the success of his last release ‘Hawa’, Bangladeshi actor Chanchal Chowdhury has a monumental task ahead. The seasoned actor is set to play none other than Mrinal Sen in Srijit Mukherji’s film ‘Padatik’, a biopic on the life of the legendary filmmaker. Chanchal’s first look as Mrinal Sen is already out and receiving quite a lot of applause from critics and fans alike.

Prosenjit Chatterjee took to his Twitter handle to share a throwback picture with Mrinal Sen.

IPTA secretary Dibyendu Chatterjee revealed recently Mrinal Sen’s house stores so many precious film scripts, books, props and other memorabilia.

Anjan Dutt's film, Chaalchitra Ekhon, journeys through the making of Mrinal Sen's Chalchitra in 1980s Kolkata, celebrating the mentor-disciple bond. The film, with stellar performances and Neel Dutt's music, honors creativity and Mrinal Sen's influence on Anjan's artistry.

Known for his hard-hitting films exploring the dark alleys of Indian society, Mrinal Sen was a stalwart in the New Cinema Movement alongside his contemporaries Satyajit Ray and Ritwik Ghatak.

Celebrated filmmaker Mrinal Sen met with an accident at his residence on Friday afternoon and had to be hospitalised.

The authour writes about acclaimed director Mrinal Sen and delves deeper into his craft and his love for the movies

Bengali film fraternity mourns Mrinal Sen’s death

With his films filled with social analysis and psychological drama, the Left-leaning director had bagged four National Film Awards as the best director and was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1983. Here are some rare photographs from the sets of his films and his life.

Mrinal Sen, a legendary Bengali filmmaker has passed away, reports confirm. The Padma Bhushan and Dada Saheb Phalke awardee reportedly breathed his last at around 10:30 am at his home in Bhawanipore, Kolkata. He was 95.

Anjan Dutt is set to pay his tribute to Mrinal Sen with his upcoming film ‘Chaalchitra Ekhon’ which is currently under post-production. The director recently shared on his social media handle why this film is so personal to him.

Anjan Dutt's Chaalchitra Ekhon, a tribute to Mrinal Sen, delves into the mentor-disciple relationship, inner struggles, and Kolkata's cultural richness. The film aims to ignite appreciation for Sen's cinematic brilliance and inspire a new wave in Indian cinema.

Mohanlal pays homage to Mrinal Sen

Geeta Sen, actor and wife of a renowned filmmaker based in Kolkatta, Mrinal Sen passed away at her residence as she suffered from a cerebral attack.

Federation of Film Societies of India will now campaign for preserving these three homes of Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak and Mrinal Sen in Bangladesh with immense historical significance to attract the attention of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage and UNESCO.

Mrinal Sen's first directorial ‘Raat Bhor’ was released in 1955. But did you know Uttam Kumar made his debut in this Mrinal Sen film?

Not many people know that Mrinal Sen was once forced to take up a job of a medical representative, which took him away from Calcutta.