Mrinal Sen : A Pioneer of Indian
Parallel Cinema
Exploring the life and
legacy of an iconic
filmmaker
Gopika S A
Roll No. 25
Dept. of Journalism &Mass
Communication
Introduction to Mrinal
Sen
• Birth : 14th May 1923, in
Faridpur, Bengal (now
Bangladesh).
• One of the key figures in
Indian Parallel cinema .
• Known for his socially
conscious films, focusing on
the human condition and
socio – political issues.
• Created films that brought
attention to urban poverty,
class struggles and identity
crisis.
Early Life & Career
• Studied at the University of Culcutta .
• Grow up with a deep interest in literature and
cinema.
• Initially worked as an assistant to Satyajit Ray.
• His early works were marked by realism and a
focus on the marginalized sections of society.
• Transitioned from theater
to filmmaking in the 1950’s.
Key Films &
Contributions
Raat Bhore (1956) Baishey Shravan (1960)
Neel Akasher Neeche (1959) Khandhar (1984)
Mrigayaa (1976) Padatik (1973)
Chorus (1974) Akaler Sandhane (1980)
Mrinal Sen And Parallel
Cinema
• Parallel Cinema Movement : A
response to the commercial cinema
and Bollywood, focusing on realism
and social issues
• Style : Use of naturalistic
performances, non – professional
actors, and unpolished settings to
capture the essence of life.
• Focus on the intellectual and
emotional struggles of individuals,
Film Style
• Realism and social consciousness
• Non – linear narratives and complex
characters
• Subtle political commentary,
addressing issues like poverty, class
disparity and political ideology
• Innovative editing techniques and
minimalistic production design to
emphasize raw emotions.
Awards and Recognition
• Multiple National Film Awards ( India ).
• International recognition at Cannes Film
festival, Berlin Film Festival and other
prestigious platforms.
• Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution
to Indian cinema.
• Known for his unique contributions to both Indian
and global cinema.
• Received the Padma Bhushan in 1981.
• Received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in
2005.
• Was included into the Oscar Academy in 2017 .
• 6th President of Film and Television Institute of
Legacy and Influence
• Influenced generations of filmmakers, both in India
and worldwide
• Inspired the next wave of filmmakers in the parallel
cinema movement
• Helped elevate Indian cinema on the global stage,
particularly in the realm of artistic and socially
relevant storytelling
• Inspired conversations about the power of cinema
to incite social change and reflect cultural realities.
Conclusion
• Mrinal Sen’s films continue to remain relevant
today due to their exploration of universal human
themes.
• His commitment to portraying the struggles and
nuances of real life has left an indelible mark on
Indian cinema.
• Through his work, Sen taught us that cinema can
be a powerful tool for social change and an
expression of the human condition.
THANK YOU