Chandigarh Filmmaker's Documentary on City's Original Master Plan Picked for IFFI

A 36-minute documentary exploring the initial architectural master plan of Chandigarh has been selected for its world premiere at the International Film Festival of India. Titled "Nirmanjali: The Chandigarh of Maciej Nowicki," the film is directed by Chandigarh-based filmmaker Suraj Kumar. The selection places the non-feature project under the prestigious Indian Panorama section of the premier film festival.

The documentary revisits the lesser-known formative period of the city before Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier became synonymous with its design. It focuses on Polish architect Maciej Nowicki, who collaborated on the city's earliest blueprints alongside American planner Albert Mayer. Nowicki proposed a distinctive, leaf-shaped master plan intended to foster a human-centric urban environment integrated with the natural landscape.

While modern Chandigarh is largely celebrated for Corbusier's modernist grid and concrete brutalism, Nowicki's early vision prioritized human scale, organic circulation, and everyday social interaction. His work sought to weave civic life, green spaces, and neighborhood communities seamlessly together in the aftermath of India's independence. Nowicki's tragic death in a 1950 plane crash cut short his involvement, eventually paving the way for Corbusier's appointment.

Kumar's film traces enduring echoes of Nowicki's original proposals across modern-day landmarks, residential pockets, and commercial sectors. The narrative examines how foundational ideas envisioned by the Polish architect continue to resonate in sectors like Sector 7 and Sector 8. Through careful visual documentation, the documentary demonstrates that Nowicki's imprint on Chandigarh remains tangible despite the subsequent restructuring under Corbusier.

The project incorporates reflections from prominent cultural and architectural figures to bridge archival history with present reality. Veteran actor Victor Banerjee makes an appearance, lending his voice and perspective to the city's evolving narrative. Academic and professional insights are contributed by Prof. Sangeeta Bagga, principal of the Chandigarh College of Architecture, along with veteran architect S.D. Sharma.

Director Suraj Kumar brings an established pedigree in documentary storytelling to the project. Kumar previously garnered national acclaim after winning the 72nd National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film. His latest work continues a dedication to uncovering overlooked historical chapters and presenting them through an engaging visual language.

The documentary arrives at a moment when architectural historians and urban planners increasingly revisit the contested beginnings of post-colonial modernist cities. By spotlighting Nowicki's organic philosophy, the film broadens the public understanding of Chandigarh beyond a single architectural master. It invites scholars and residents alike to re-examine the shared foundations that shaped the capital of Punjab and Haryana.

The world premiere at the International Film Festival of India provides a high-profile global stage for the documentary to reach international audiences, cinema lovers, and design professionals. Festival screenings under the Indian Panorama are widely regarded as vital stepping stones for documentary films seeking cultural preservation and wider distribution. Organizers and cinema enthusiasts await the film's official screening, which aims to spark renewed dialogue on the roots of India's first planned city.