MIFF 2026 Pays Tribute to Indian Creative Legends Through Powerful Documentary Screenings

Mumbai, June 19, 2026: The 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) celebrated the remarkable contributions of Indian artistic icons through two special documentary screenings in its Homage section, honouring the legacy of acclaimed photographer Raghu Rai and legendary Carnatic percussionist Palghat Raghu.

The festival presented Raghu Rai: Hearing Through the Eyes and Tala and Rhythm – Mridangam Played by Palghat Raghu, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the creative journeys, philosophies and cultural impact of two masters who shaped their respective fields.

Directed by Suvendu Chatterjee, Raghu Rai: Hearing Through the Eyes explores the life and artistic vision of one of India’s most celebrated photographers. The documentary traces Rai’s journey through his iconic photographs, personal reflections and experiences that influenced his unique approach to visual storytelling.

Raghu Rai’s association with global photography reached a major milestone when he was nominated to Magnum Photos in 1977 by renowned photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson. The documentary captures his evolution as an artist who transformed photography into a medium of human connection and emotional expression.

The film highlights Rai’s philosophy of “darshan”, where photography is viewed not merely as the act of capturing an image but as a deeper process of understanding the subject, emotions and surroundings. His photographs have documented important moments in history while also preserving the everyday beauty of Indian life.

Through his lens, Rai captured significant historical events as well as cultural and spiritual traditions, including images of Mother Teresa, Ganesh Visarjan, the Taj Mahal and Naga Sadhus. His work reflects the diversity, complexity and emotional depth of Indian society.

The documentary also features filmmaker Avani Rai, Raghu Rai’s daughter, whose insights create a bridge between two generations of artists and provide a personal perspective on the man behind some of India’s most recognised images.

The film portrays Rai’s belief that creativity emerges from a deep emotional connection. He encourages young photographers to develop their own perspective and discover an individual artistic voice rather than simply following established styles.

The second documentary, Tala and Rhythm – Mridangam Played by Palghat Raghu, produced by Films Division of India and directed by filmmaker Shyam Benegal, focuses on the traditional world of Carnatic music and the timeless art of playing the Mridangam.

The film explores the significance of tala and rhythm, which form the foundation of Indian classical music. Through demonstrations and performances by Palghat Raghu, the documentary introduces viewers to the complex structure of rhythmic cycles, improvisation and musical expression.

It highlights the dedication, discipline and creativity required to master the Mridangam, showcasing the detailed techniques involved in producing different tones and rhythmic patterns through precise hand movements.

Beyond the technical aspects of music, the documentary reflects the importance of India’s guru-shishya tradition, where knowledge and artistic wisdom are passed from one generation to another. It presents classical music not only as a performance form but as a living cultural heritage sustained through practice and mentorship.

The Homage section screenings at MIFF 2026 provided audiences with an opportunity to revisit the contributions of two extraordinary personalities whose work continues to influence generations. The documentaries celebrated the power of art, whether through images or music, to preserve history, communicate emotions and connect people across time.

Through such tributes, MIFF continues to strengthen its role as a platform that recognises India’s rich creative legacy while bringing inspiring stories and artistic achievements to wider audiences.