Aparna Sen, the renowned movie star, filmmaker, magazine editor, and civil society leader, finally gets the documentary she deserves with Suman Ghosh’s “Parama: A Journey with Aparna Sen.” This long-awaited film offers a comprehensive look into Sen’s multifaceted career and the complexities of the era she lives and works in.
“Parama: A Journey with Aparna Sen” delves into Sen’s personal and professional life, as well as her political and public engagements. Through a series of interviews and reminiscences from notable contemporaries, the documentary sheds light on her remarkable body of work and her unique perspective as a filmmaker. While the film acknowledges the significance of the female gaze and the representation of women in Sen’s films, it doesn’t solely focus on her gender, as Sen herself believes that both men and women can bring the female gaze to cinema.
Premiering at the International Film Festival Rotterdam 2024, alongside one of Sen’s celebrated films, “Parama” (1985), the documentary captures the essence of Aparna Sen’s worldview. Ghosh, who conducted the interviews himself, weaves together various perspectives from filmmakers, actors, musicians, and Sen’s own family to create a vibrant and layered portrayal.
The film offers glimpses into Sen’s early acting career in commercial Bengali cinema, her transformation when directing films, and the thought and creativity that goes into developing characters and music. It also explores the impact of Sen’s upbringing in a diverse and inclusive environment, as well as the personal challenges she faced that influenced her evolution as a creator.
While the documentary cannot cover Sen’s extensive journey in its entirety, it provides a critical appraisal of her choices and allows space for different opinions. The frank and informal conversations with actors, technicians, and friends highlight both admiration and constructive criticism. Some express their disappointment with certain aspects of Sen’s work, while others argue that her thematic choices are justified.
Though a few notable films like “Yugant” and “15 Park Avenue” are missing from the discussion, “Parama: A Journey with Aparna Sen” still offers a worthwhile and comprehensive exploration of the filmmaker’s career. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the life and work of one of India’s foremost filmmakers.
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