Chennai, Tamil Nadu June 23: Y64 – Whispers of Unseen, the one-hour documentary chronicling artist and seeker Beena Unnikrishnan’s extraordinary 12.5-year journey with the ancient tradition of the Chausath Yoginis, had its maiden festival screening at the prestigious Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF), held in Mumbai from June 15–21, 2026.
Supported by the Kankali Trust and the Government of Madhya Pradesh, the premiere marked the first opportunity for international festival audiences to experience this unique transmedia project that brings together painting, literature, travel, spirituality and cinema.
What began as an artist’s curiosity about the 64 Yoginis evolved into a deeply immersive exploration of feminine energy, cultural heritage and self-discovery.
A painter best known for geometric and abstract expressions, Beena Unnikrishnan initially found herself hesitant—even fearful—of portraying human forms. It was this very challenge that drew her towards the Yoginis. Through the creation of 64 paintings inspired by these powerful feminine archetypes, she embarked on a transformative artistic journey that pushed her beyond conventional boundaries and led her towards a deeper understanding of creativity, womanhood and the sacred feminine.
“I was guided and chosen,” says Beena. “The Devis decided to give darshan through these art forms.”
Interestingly, the documentary was never part of the original vision. When Beena began the project over a decade ago, she had no plans to make a film. However, she intuitively felt that the magnitude of the journey needed to be preserved. What began as documentation of an artist’s creative process gradually evolved into a cinematic account of devotion, perseverance and transformation.
Earlier this year, Beena undertook an ambitious 14,000-kilometre road journey across India, travelling through 14 cities with all 64 original canvases. The travelling exhibition introduced thousands of people to the Yoginis, sparking conversations around India’s forgotten heritage, spirituality and artistic traditions.
The journey transformed the project from an individual artistic pursuit into a national cultural movement, bringing ancient wisdom to contemporary audiences through the universal language of art and storytelling.
Speaking about the milestone, Beena Unnikrishnan said:
“When I began this journey twelve and a half years ago, I was simply an artist searching for answers. I never imagined it would become a book, an exhibition, a 14,000-kilometre road journey, and eventually a documentary film. The Yoginis taught me to move beyond fear—the fear of painting forms, the fear of embracing my femininity, and the fear of trusting an unseen path. I often say that I did not choose the Yoginis; they chose me. I was merely fortunate enough to receive their darshan through these art forms.”
The documentary captures not only the history and mystique of the Yogini temples but also the courage required to surrender to a calling that unfolds over time. Through Beena’s vulnerability and determination, the film explores the relationship between art, faith and personal transformation.
Shri Shiv Shekhar Deo, representing Madhya Pradesh Tourism, said:
“Madhya Pradesh is home to some of India’s most extraordinary Yogini heritage sites, where history, spirituality, art and architecture come together in remarkable ways. We are proud to support Y64 – Chausath Yoginis, a project that reintroduces this powerful legacy to a new generation. Through Beena Unnikrishnan’s artistic journey, the film invites young people to engage with India’s cultural roots while exploring universal themes of creativity, courage, self-discovery and the enduring power of the feminine.”
Supported by the Kankali Trust and the Government of Madhya Pradesh, Y64 – Whispers of Unseen celebrates India’s rich spiritual and cultural legacy associated with the Yogini temples, inviting audiences into a world where art, history, faith and transformation converge.