Krisha organised a series of Nagari film screenings that became a platform for critical reflection and dialogue within her institution. What set her initiative apart was the depth and nuance of the conversations it generated — her reflections were detailed and personal, elevating each screening into a meaningful learning experience. The films were curated for different batches. For first-year students, she screened Iss Shahar Mein Chalte Hue, Through the Dappled Light, and A Work in Progress. For third-year students, the selection included Level Up!, Samayada Harivu, and Udta Banaras.
Each screening was followed by in-depth discussions, where students engaged with the films through thoughtful observations and critical insights. Krisha’s ability to draw out layered, personal responses from her audience made these sessions particularly impactful, distinguishing her screenings as some of the most engaging in the program. An equally important part of this initiative was the collaborative process behind it. Krisha brought together a small team of five volunteers from the fourth-year batch, all of whom shared an interest in film and screenwriting and had already watched most of the Nagari films. While the group was initially formed to help shortlist screenings, it evolved into an active discussion circle that continues to revisit and reflect on the films even beyond the sessions.
‘Iss Shahar Mein Chalte Hue’ sparked a conversation about perspective; how the same day, same roads or even the same activities have a completely different significance in everyone’s lives. Some students also volunteered their personal observations throughout their day that showed varying perspectives. Another point observed was that the film focussed a lot on the scale of life and how when observing from a distance, it was easier to forget or neglect the numerous individual experiences being lived simultaneously. They were also asked how they could use their observations from the film to improve their design thinking and the most agreed upon response was proper identification and consideration of every single user group.
Before ‘Through the Dappled Light’ started, students were asked what according to them was something that attracted people to use a particular space. The answers varied from aesthetics, comfort, openness, ornamentation, etc. After watching the film, the question was asked again and the first years didn’t have an answer to best describe their thoughts. When one of our volunteers pointed out that it was human emotion that connected people to a space, it led to a small debate about emotion versus necessity and survival. It was interesting to see someone connect to a different part of the film than we initially did.
Apart from the observations about ‘A Work in Progress’, it led to a discussion about privilege and how that makes one inconsiderate of what is happening around them. It brought up the trend of overconsumption and the increasing demand without need which is leading to incredible amounts of waste, be it in the construction industry or otherwise. In the end, they were left with the thought of how they, as future architects, can contribute to solving this issue.
After watching ‘Level Up!’, everyone agreed that even though this is a topic that may be brought up each semester for every design problem, it is usually an afterthought when it comes to the actual design. Apart from a couple students who had differently-abled people dear to them, students admitted that this was the first time they had actually felt their needs instead of just talking about them. Our volunteers prompted them to think about their grandparents and if the film would resonate with them as well. Everyone agreed that accessible design should be a priority and not a later addition.
‘Samayada Harivu’ was interesting to watch because under the larger umbrella of urbanisation, it covered multiple smaller issues faced by people. It was the most well received film in her college. There were a few comments on the title of the film — “Flow of Time” — a particularly apt one, since neither flow nor time can be monitored, and their outcomes cannot be predicted. When asked what issues caught their attention, some students spoke about how our traditional lifestyle is vanishing due to rapid urbanisation, while others spoke about loss of employment, black water and increasing pollution, and depleting water levels. There was a debate about the pros and cons of urbanisation that followed, and the need for conservation was discussed. It was pointed out how the film addressed that people who already were using those areas would now need permission to access the same spaces and how maybe we as designers could incorporate something for them in our design since the need to use those areas is inevitable with our growing need.
‘Udta Banaras’ addressed loss of identity, be it our cities or the people who live in them. In chasing development and growth, we are losing our roots. It sparked a conversation about what is considered heritage; is it just our coined heritage sites or also the streets that are walked everyday? There was a discussion about how development is necessary to attract tourists and boost a city’s economy but at what cost? The film left everyone with a lot of questions to ponder upon.
All photos in this carousel are clicked by Krisha.
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