The Absence Trilogy (Paperback)

Films that explore alienation and loss in middle-class life.

Renowned Indian filmmaker Mrinal Sen, celebrated for his pioneering contributions to parallel cinema, offers sensitive portrayals of the middle-class psyche in his films Ekdin Pratidin, Kharij, and Ekdin Achanak. Regarded among his finest works, these films—though not strictly a trilogy, having been produced years apart—each centrally explore the theme of absence: the sudden disappearance of an individual, the resulting exposure of underlying values, and the profound changes in relationships and attitudes among those left behind.

A thoughtful and discursive introductory essay by Somnath Zutshi delves into this common thread, examining how the theme of absence shapes the narrative structure of these three distinct films.

This volume features shot-by-shot reconstructions (post-production films) of all three films, alongside the comprehensive introductory essay. It is richly illustrated with black-and-white reproductions of scenes from the films, providing a visual complement to the textual analysis. This edition brings Sen's cinematic artistry and thematic depth to an international audience, offering an insightful exploration of his work.