The themes of Padatik are intricately and irreversibly braided with the qualities and beliefs of the protagonist himself. It is a coming of age narrative where the sub-themes revolve around survival and perseverance, love and friendship. Society comes in as a theme in the film because of the role it plays in Sen's life and work. "Progress" becomes a primary and a sub theme in both senses of the term and these sub themes aid in attributing special attention to the complex political milieu that Sen lived in and left behind.