Mrinal Sen’s Birth Centenary Celebrated on Celluloid

Mrinal Sen’s ideology and life outlook centre on middle-class ethos and emotions. These were showcased in a film festival at the NCR, reports Ruchira – exclusively for Different Truths.

Had he lived, Mrinal Sen would have turned 100 in May this year. Hailed as one of the outstanding directors of Indian cinema, Sen was a self-proclaimed champion of the vast Indian Middle Class (“to which I essentially belong” being his oft-quoted catchline). To honour the legendary director, a mega film festival was organised in the National Capital Region (NCR) during the last weekend of February. With two film events taking place within three weeks of each other, the cine-goers (read movie buffs), in all probability, must have had a whale of a time. 

In tune with Sen’s ideology and outlook on life, all these films screened on occasion revolve around middle-class ethos sentiments and emotions. 

Now a glance at some of the outstanding films screened at the event. Incidentally, Ek Din Pratidin was the maestro’s solitary film on the show list. The movie powerfully depicts how a ‘single’ working girl’s delayed return home after work one evening triggers off anxiety, frustration, despair, and angst of a typical ‘middle-class’ family.

Mention must be made of Jhara Palok, loosely based on the life and times ofJibananda Das (Bratya Basu), the enigmatic literary genius primarily underrated during his lifetime. Fame and accolades poured in after he had walked into the sunset.

Boudi Canteen is highly feminist in content. It narrates the story of Poulami (Subhashree Ganguly), a homemaker-turned-teacher who, despite hurdles, eventually succeeds in utilising her culinary skills to set up an independent, flourishing venture. 

Abhijaan is essentially a throwback to the life and acting career of the legendary thespian Soumitro Chatterji. The focus is on Chatterji as the quintessential human being with his hopes, dreams, and passion for theatre, poetry, painting, and politics. As his camaraderie and relationships with fellow actors and actresses, the confessions about his follies and vulnerabilities touch the viewers to the core of their hearts.

The film Kathamrito is at once thought-provoking and hilarious. All categories of viewers, men and women, young and old, are bound to enjoy every bit of the film, for it is an authentic reflection of middle-class family life, which most of us are a part of. The story revolves around the lives of the protagonist Sanatan and his wife, Sulekha, whose constant disputes and bickering damage the fabric of their family life, resulting in a tragedy.

Embittered and disillusioned, Sanatan deliberately sinks into a silent mode for years. This ‘feigned’ silence acts like a healing balm and restores peace and normalcy in the couple’s mutual relationship. Ultimately the ploy is discovered, and tears and regrets follow. All is forgiven and forgotten, and the couple lives happily ever after. Moral of the story: It takes two to make a quarrel and also to maintain serenity. Seasoned actors Kaushik Ganguly and Aparajita Adhya, in the lead roles, leave the viewers enthralled.

The event also witnessed a flurry of activities, including a film quiz, discussion and analysis of Sen’s works, and interactive sessions with guest stars and other leading film personalities, 

namely the current heartthrob Abir Chatterji, director Reshmi Mitra and Shyamal Datta, a senior actor-cum-familiar face of Tollywood.

The slew of actors also included Mamata Shankar, a noted danseuse-turned-Mrinal Sen protégé. She catapulted into the tinsel world and glory through her appearance in Sen’s award-winning film Mrigaya decades ago. Quite appropriately, she was selected as the brand ambassador for the event. Also present was the veteran Sreela Majumdar who featured conspicuously in Sen’s award-winning films such as Kharij, Khandahar, Akaler Sandhane and more.

Photos sourced by the author.