By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM| Bhopal: The documentary film Y64 – Whispers of the Unseen, inspired by the ancient 64 Yogini Temple at Mitawali in Madhya Pradesh, was showcased at the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026. The documentary, created by artist and spiritual seeker Dr. Beena Unnikrishnan, was screened before an international audience for the first time. The project was produced with the support of the Department of Culture, Government of Madhya Pradesh, and Kali Trust.

Recognized as South Asia’s oldest and largest film festival dedicated to documentaries, short fiction and animation films, MIFF provided an ideal platform for presenting this unique cinematic exploration of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. During the event, Dr. Beena Unnikrishnan and her team were felicitated by Prabhat Ji, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. The screening was attended by Deepak Narayan, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Executive Producer Deepti Chawla, cinematographer Pradeep, and several distinguished guests.

A Journey from 64 Canvases to a 15,000-Kilometre Spiritual Expedition

The documentary traces an extraordinary journey that began over twelve years ago when Dr. Beena started documenting and painting the 64 Yoginis. What initially began as an artistic endeavour gradually transformed into a profound journey of devotion, perseverance and self-discovery.

This year, Dr. Beena travelled nearly 15,000 kilometres across 14 Indian cities with the original collection of 64 paintings, introducing thousands of people to the Yogini tradition while fostering meaningful conversations on art, culture and spirituality. The documentary captures this remarkable evolution from canvas to cinema, bringing an ancient spiritual legacy into contemporary discourse.

A Tribute to India’s Architectural and Cultural Heritage

Shiv Shekhar Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary, Culture, Religious Trusts and Endowments, and General Administration Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh, described the 64 Yogini temples of Mitawali, Jabalpur and Khajuraho as outstanding examples of India’s ancient architectural brilliance.

He noted that the Mitawali temple, widely believed to have inspired the architectural design of India’s former Parliament House, is currently included in UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. According to him, projects such as Y64 – Whispers of the Unseen play a vital role in connecting younger generations with India’s rich cultural heritage. Through Dr. Beena’s artistic journey, the film highlights universal values such as creativity, courage, self-exploration and the power of womanhood.

“The Yoginis Chose Me”

Reflecting on her experience, Dr. Beena Unnikrishnan said that when she began the journey, she was simply an artist searching for answers. She never imagined that the project would eventually evolve into a book, exhibitions, a nationwide road journey and finally a documentary film.

“The Yoginis taught me to move beyond fear and trust my feminine strength and the unseen path ahead. I always say that I did not choose the Yoginis; the Yoginis chose me,” she remarked.

She explained that the documentary not only explores the history and mysteries of the Yogini temples but also tells a deeper story about courage, dedication and answering a spiritual calling. Dr. Beena expressed gratitude to the Madhya Pradesh Tourism and Culture Department for its support in making the project a reality.

An Inspiring Confluence of Heritage, Spirituality and Art

Inspired by the legacy of the 64 Yogini temples, Y64 – Whispers of the Unseen presents a unique blend of heritage, spirituality and artistic expression. Produced with the support of Kali Trust and the Government of Madhya Pradesh, the documentary celebrates the rich cultural and spiritual traditions associated with India’s Yogini temples.

The film invites viewers into a world where art, faith, history and personal transformation converge, creating a deeply immersive and inspiring cinematic experience. Its successful screening at MIFF 2026 marks an important milestone in bringing one of India’s lesser-known yet extraordinary spiritual traditions to a global audience.

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