Mahananda teaser: Gargee Roy Chowdhury's film seems to reflect the resolute spirit of Mahasweta Devi

The second teaser of Arindam Sil’s upcoming film Mahananda, based on the life and work of award-winning author and activist Mahasweta Devi, outlines the lead character’s journey.

A collage of visuals with an understated colour tone and sombre background score by Bickram Ghosh, the teaser speaks volumes regarding the treatment of the film.

It begins with a visual of a girl taking lessons in school, having a blast with other children from an indigenous group and distributing food among them.

Gradually it is revealed that these scenes are from the imagination of writer Mahananda (Gargee Roy Chowdhury), who puts them into words. Mahananda gets support from her husband (Debshankar Halder) and receives his appreciation when her first book comes out. 

However, the writer cherishes success in solitude, avoiding any limelight. When she clutches the Communist Manifesto to her heart and wakes up in the middle of the night with troubling thoughts, it becomes evident that she reflects the traits of Mahasweta Devi, who was ideologically driven and never really cared for fame and publicity.

It is clear that, like Mahasweta Devi, Mahananda fights a lot of her battles singlehandedly, as later in the teaser, her husband is seen refraining from backing her work on the socio-political front for the sake of their son's safety.

While the teaser is bereft of dialogues, Iman Chakraborty’s song towards the end of it conveys how the writer gradually shifts her focus and ultimately devotes herself solely to the upliftment of the underprivileged.

Mahananda will be released in theatres on 8 April.

Check out the teaser below and let us know if you are keen on watching the film.