Sudipto Sen’s ‘Charak’ Garners International Acclaim at Cannes and Berlin

After the controversial yet commercially successful The Kerala Story, filmmaker Sudipto Sen is back in the global spotlight—this time as a producer. His debut production under the newly launched banner Sipping Tea Cinemas, titled Charak, has earned critical acclaim at both the Berlin Film Festival and the recently concluded Cannes Film Festival 2025. The film, directed by Sheiladitya Moulik, marks a bold and socially charged step forward in Sen’s cinematic journey.

 

Charak delves into the haunting underbelly of blind faith, using the backdrop of Bengal’s traditional Charak Puja to explore themes such as child sacrifice, occult rituals, and societal exploitation in the name of devotion. The film’s unflinching portrayal of dark rituals and its critique of religious extremism has resonated with international audiences and juries, positioning it as an important piece of social commentary on the global stage.

 

Sen’s transition from director to producer comes with the weight of his past work. The Kerala Story (2023), while a box office hit, stirred widespread political debate and legal scrutiny for its alleged communal messaging and was openly endorsed by the BJP. With Charak, Sen appears to be steering his narrative lens toward broader cultural critique, shedding light on indigenous practices with an intention to provoke reflection rather than division.

 

As Indian cinema continues to break boundaries internationally, Charak stands out as a film that merges regional authenticity with universal themes. With its success at Berlin and Cannes, and with Sipping Tea Cinemas establishing its voice early on, Sen’s latest venture signals a new, more introspective chapter in his filmmaking legacy—one that invites both controversy and critical thought.

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