Chennai-based artist Beena Unnikrishnan’s documentary Y64 – Whispers of Unseen made its festival debut at the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026, held in Mumbai from June 15 to 21, marking the film’s first screening before an international audience.

The one-hour documentary traces Beena Unnikrishnan’s 12.5-year artistic and spiritual journey exploring the ancient tradition of the Chausath Yoginis, a legacy deeply rooted in India’s cultural and spiritual history. Supported by the Kankali Trust and the Government of Madhya Pradesh, the project brings together painting, literature, travel, and cinema into a single transmedia exploration.

What began as an artistic challenge soon evolved into a profound personal journey. Known for her abstract and geometric work, Beena initially struggled with figurative representation. However, her engagement with the Yogini tradition led her to create 64 paintings inspired by the feminine archetypes, marking a shift in both her artistic expression and personal philosophy.

The documentary also captures a remarkable 14,000-kilometre road journey undertaken by the artist across 14 cities in India, where she exhibited all 64 original canvases. The travelling exhibition connected audiences with the Yogini tradition, transforming a deeply personal exploration into a wider cultural conversation.

Speaking about her journey, Beena Unnikrishnan said she never initially intended to create a documentary, but gradually felt compelled to document what became a transformative life experience shaped by creativity, spirituality, and self-discovery. She described the Yoginis as guiding forces that helped her overcome fear and embrace artistic and emotional expression.

Officials from Madhya Pradesh Tourism highlighted the significance of the Yogini heritage sites and emphasized the importance of reconnecting younger generations with India’s cultural roots through contemporary artistic storytelling.

The documentary has been supported by the Kankali Trust and the Government of Madhya Pradesh, further strengthening its role in preserving and presenting India’s spiritual and artistic heritage through a modern cinematic lens.

Y64 – Whispers of Unseen stands as a reflection of endurance, devotion, and transformation, offering audiences a unique perspective on the intersection of art, spirituality, and personal evolution.