As Sen turns 80 this October, we take a look at her work from behind the camera

The mainstream Bollywood audience, which usually doesn’t look beyond mass-masala movies, probably has very little idea about Aparna Sen. However, cinephiles, who are often known for their taste in offbeat and artistic movies, probably know a thing or two about Sen.

One of the finest actors to grace the Bengali cinema industry, Aparna Sen is also a National Award-winning director who has helmed several films in Bengali, English, Hindi, and even Japanese.

(Credit- Wikipedia)

As she turns 80, we take a look at some of Sen’s work behind the camera that cinephiles must watch if they haven’t. In fact, even if you are not a cinephile, these movies with delicate topics must be watched, as they are truly a life-changing experience.

36 Chowringhee Lane

Her first film as director, Sen dared to make it in English, starring Jennifer Kendal, Soni Razdan, Dhritiman Chatterjee, and Debashree Roy. The story revolves around the life of a lonely Jennifer Kendal, who befriends Dhritiman Chatterjee and Debashree Roy. However, despite treating them well and helping them when they needed it, Jennifer Kendal was ignored and deceived by the couple. The story shows the complexity of human nature and relationships and isn’t as straightforward as this paragraph suggests. The film won the National Award for Best Feature Film in English, and Sen grabbed the Best Direction Award.

Mr. and Mrs. Iyer

(Credit- Sayeri Diary)

Another English film, which was dubbed in many languages, Mr. and Mrs. Iyer brings two people with religious differences and puts them in a situation where they have no choice but to help each other. As the movie progresses, their views of each other’s religions change, and they realise humanity is above all. The movie features Sen’s daughter, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Rahul Bose in lead roles.

The Japanese Wife

Released in English, Bengali, and Japanese, the movie showcases how far humans go for the sake of their love. In the movie, Snehamoy Chatterjee (Rahul Bose) and Miyage (Chigusa Takaku) are pen pals, and they vow to marry each other. However, they have not met in seventeen lengthy years. What happens next in their unusual love story? Watch the film to find out. By the end scene, tears are likely to roll down your face. Tears of joy or happiness? You find out.

Paromitar Ek Din

We do not wish to write a single word about the film’s plot, direction, or other technicalities. All we wish to write is that the film won these awards -- National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Bengali,
Bombay International Film Festival FIPRESCI Prize, Karlovy Vary International Film Festival Award of Ecumenical Jury – Special Mention, and Kalakar Awards for Best Director. We hope these awards will force you to watch the film.

The R*pist

(Credit- The Hindu)

Finally, last but not least, the R*pist. The film stars Konkona Sen Sharma and Arjun Rampal, who are an interfaith couple and are against India’s capital d*ath punishment. However, things take a vi*lent and tra*matic turn in the couple’s lives when Sen Sharma and her friend are assaulted. From social prejudice to how justice works in India to the aftermath of a survivor, the film provides a shocking experience that is extremely hard to swallow.