THE POLITICAL CINEMA OF MRINAL SEN: A STUDY OF REALISM, SOCIETY, AND VISUAL NARRATIVE

Mrinal Sen is regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers of the Indian New Wave movement. His films are known for their political consciousness, social critique, and innovative cinematic language. Unlike conventional mainstream cinema, Sen used film as a medium to question social structures, class divisions, and political realities. This research paper examines the role of realism, political engagement, and visual narrative in Mrinal Sen’s cinema. Through the analysis of selected films, the study investigates how Sen combined cinematic experimentation with social commentary. The findings suggest that Mrinal Sen transformed Indian cinema into a platform for critical reflection, making significant contributions to both national and international film culture (Sen, 2002; Bordwell & Thompson, 2019).

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