Srijit Mukherji’s Mrinal Sen biopic ‘Padatik’ to be the closing film at London Indian Film Festival

The promotional activities of his Puja release 'Dawshom Awbotaar' might be keeping Srijit Mukherji quite busy these days but he’s equally excited about his another special project. Yes, we are talking about the ace director’s Mrinal Sen tribute film ‘Padatik’ which will be the closing film of this year’s London Indian Film Festival, scheduled to run from October 25 to November 4.
This film is not just an expression of art but also a timely tribute, being released during Mrinal Sen’s birth centenary celebrations, offering a comprehensive gaze into the life and times of one of India’s most celebrated directors. The film explores a rich and detailed tapestry of Sen's journey from his initial struggles as a political idealist, grappling with providing for his family, through to his burgeoning obsession with filmmaking in the culturally rich environment of 1950s Calcutta. During this period, alongside his contemporary and friend Satyajit Ray, Sen was instrumental in spearheading the Indian New Wave cinema movement, redefining the cinematic landscape of the time.

In 'Padatik', the character of Mrinal Sen is brought to life by acclaimed Bangladeshi actor Chanchal Chowdhury, while Monami Ghosh takes on the role of Sen’s wife, Geeta Sen. Notably, Korak Samanta is cast as the young Mrinal Sen, offering a glimpse into the earlier and formative years of the legendary filmmaker. Born on May 14, 1923, in Faridpur, British India, and later relocating to what is now Bangladesh, Sen, who passed away in 2018, left behind a luminous legacy, comprising numerous works that have been etched into the annals of Indian cinema. His repertoire includes notable films like ‘Neel Akasher Neechey’, ‘Baishey Shravana’, and ‘Akash Kusum’, which are not just films but milestones in cinematic history.
‘Padatik’ transcends mere biographical narration, venturing into the depths of Mrinal Sen's relationships, his inspirations, and the sociopolitical climates that shaped his works.

Srijit has always openly acknowledged the huge impact of Indian cinema’s “Holy Trinity” – Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, and Mrinal Sen – on his work, along with Tapan Sinha. His debut, ‘Autograph’ (2010), was in itself a nod to Ray’s ‘Nayak’ (1966), revealing how profound Mrinal Sen's and other masters' influences have been on his creations. In discussing ‘Padatik’, Mukherji described how films like ‘Akaler Sandhane’, ‘Kharij’, and ‘Khandhar’ have subtly, yet profoundly, influenced his works, acting as a subliminal undercurrent in his creative process. The centenary release of ‘Padatik’ is hence a 'gurudakshina' to Mrinal Sen, from whom Srijit Mukherji has drawn insightful wisdom and inspiration in his filmmaking journey.