Legendary filmmaker Mrinal Sen’s life and work come alive in Padatik, which is now set for its digital release. Directed by acclaimed Kolkata filmmaker Srijit Mukherji, the biopic features celebrated Bangladeshi actor Chanchal Chowdhury in the role of Mrinal Sen.
The film, which originally hit theaters in West Bengal in 2024, will stream on ZEE5 starting Friday, August 28—nearly two years after its theatrical debut.
Although there were initial plans to release Padatik simultaneously in Bangladesh and West Bengal, political circumstances in 2024 prevented its screening in Bangladeshi cinemas.
Chanchal Chowdhury expressed his excitement about the OTT release, calling Padatik one of the most significant works of his career:
“This is a landmark project for me. Finally, the film is reaching audiences on OTT, and I feel truly delighted.”
The project also carries deep personal emotion for Chanchal. Just two days after performing his father’s last rites, he joined the film’s shoot—a memory that remains etched in his heart.
“It was incredibly difficult to step onto the set at that time. Every moment felt heavy,” he recalled.
The film portrays different phases of Mrinal Sen’s life, with Chanchal embodying both the younger and older versions of the filmmaker. It also highlights the pivotal role of Sen’s wife, Geeta Sen, played by Monami Ghosh. Korak Samanta appears as young Mrinal, while Samrat Chakraborty plays Sen’s son, Kunal.
Following its theatrical release in 2024, Padatik generated considerable buzz among cinephiles. Now, with its OTT premiere, the film is poised to reach a wider global audience, offering viewers a chance to witness Chanchal Chowdhury’s powerful performance as one of cinema’s greatest auteurs.
