Canadian Premiere
The hybrid documentary CycleMahesh explores one of India’s most significant yet often overlooked social issues: migration. When a nationwide lockdown is imposed across India during the COVID-19 pandemic — shutting down all forms of transportation — 22-year-old migrant labourer Mahesh decides to cycle 1,700 kilometres to return home. Through sheer determination, he completes the arduous journey in seven days, spurring widespread media attention — as well as a trail of empty promises from those following along.
Director Suhel Banerjee blends documentary realism with a fictional reconstruction of Mahesh’s journey, crafting a poignant film that examines the personal toll of systemic neglect, the illusion of celebrity, and the capacity of the human spirit to endure. Banerjee’s multi-layered narrative stands out not just for its compelling story but also for its unique structure, creative editing, and use of sound and music to deliver a profound experience. Banerjee’s experimental and rewarding documentary feature debut had its world premiere at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, where it won Best First Feature.
Presented by
Suhel Banerjee
Mahesh Jena, Mamta Pared, Muktak Kanjilal, Rajan Vaidya, Nitin Gupta, Kailash Kumar
India
2024
In Hindi, Marathi and Odia with English subtitles
Indigenous & Community Access
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Credits
Producer
Teesta Setalvad
Screenwriter
Gurleen Judge, Suhel Banerjee
Cinematography
Prateek Pamecha
Editor
Suhel Banerjee
Original Music
Vishesh Kalimero, Rahul Jigyasu
FOCUS: Once, There Is a City
See more films in this series
I Am Revathi
I Am Revathi offers a deeply personal and intimate glimpse into the life of A. Revathi — trans woman, writer, activist, and theatre artist — amidst the struggles, power, and ongoing fight for dignity and inclusion faced by transgender people in India.
CycleMahesh
Suhel Banerjee's documentary blends realism and reconstruction to tell the story of migrant worker Mahesh, who cycled 1,700 kilometres to return home during the COVID lockdown. A poignant look at one of India’s most significant social issues: migration.
Secrets of a Mountain Serpent
Set in a remote Himalayan town in India during the Kargil War, Secrets of a Mountain Serpent weaves together personal desire and ancient folklore to ask a pertinent question: Can you belong to someone and still belong to yourself?
Hidden Tremors
Set against the fragile landscape of Kanjirappally, Hidden Tremors explores a family's quiet struggle amidst climate-induced displacement. The film captures the fragile balance between people and ecosystem — and the emotional dislocation that follows.
Bad Girl
From her journey through high school and college, then out into the wider world, Ramya’s dream of finding the perfect guy is obstructed by societal mores, strict parents, unrequited love and the untrammelled chaos of her own mind, in Varsha Bharath’s naughty and affecting comedy.