Me No Pause Me Play: Samar K. Mukherjee Leads a Bold Conversation on Menopause in Indian Cinema

New Delhi [India], November 27: In a courageous and forward-looking step for Indian cinema, director Samar K. Mukherjee ventures into a largely unexplored narrative space with Me No Pause Me Play, the country’s first Hindi feature film centred on menopause. At a time when mainstream storytelling continues to skirt around women’s intimate health experiences, Mukherjee’s vision signals a meaningful shift—one aimed at breaking long-standing silences, challenging stigma, and fostering open dialogue.

Drawing on his extensive filmmaking experience and his ability to portray emotional depth with nuance, Samar K. Mukherjee handles the subject with notable sensitivity. The film delves into the hormonal, emotional and social transitions associated with menopause without sensationalising or trivialising the journey. Its authenticity is further enhanced by the strength of its source material—Manoj Kumar Sharma’s well-regarded book Me No Pause Me Play—which provides a grounded and empathetic foundation for the on-screen adaptation.

Mukherjee, known for his balanced storytelling, creates a cinematic space where actresses like Kamya Punjabi, Deepshikha Nagpal, Manoj Kumar Sharma, Aman Verma, Karan Singh Chhabra and Sudha Chandran can explore complex portrayals of women entering a transformative phase of life. Under his direction, each character is crafted with depth, dignity, and relatability, bringing real-life experiences to the forefront.

The director’s vision extends beyond mere storytelling. Me No Pause Me Play seeks to normalise a conversation that society has long avoided, despite nearly every woman experiencing it. Mukherjee believes cinema has the power not just to entertain, but also to educate and empower — and this film stands as a testament to that belief.

With its compelling narrative, strong cast, and progressive message, Me No Pause Me Play positions Samar K. Mukherjee as a filmmaker who is unafraid to use his craft for social impact. As anticipation builds ahead of the film’s release, the industry is watching closely — and applauding a director who dares to tell a story long overdue.