The March chapter of Talk Cinema On The Floor (TCOTF) in Delhi turned out to be much more than a routine film screening. It became a space where cinema opened up conversations, sparked curiosity, and brought together a growing community of like-minded individuals. With filmmaker Mithun Pramanik travelling from Kolkata to present his award-winning documentary The Scientist Who Runs at Night, the session unfolded as a meaningful engagement with cinema, society and the idea of perseverance.
A Gathering That Begins with Stories
Held at Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Creativity, Delhi, the session began in a way that has now become a defining feature of TCOTF — participant introductions.
But these were not merely formal introductions. Each attendee shared a recent cinematic experience — a film they had watched, a moment that stayed with them, or a thought that lingered.
What followed was a natural shift in the room’s energy. The space quickly transformed into one that felt open, participative and reflective — setting the tone for the session ahead.
More Than a Discussion Platform
Welcoming the participants, NDFF Founder Ashish K Singh highlighted that this was the 8th chapter of TCOTF, marking a steady journey of building a cinema-focused community in Delhi–NCR.
He noted that over the past few months, TCOTF has evolved beyond being just a discussion platform. It is gradually becoming a space where ideas meet people, and conversations move towards collaboration and creation.
Referring to his recent participation in a high-level industry roundtable at the International Film Festival Delhi, Singh pointed out a key insight — for Delhi to emerge as a serious cinema hub, there must be a strong convergence between policy, skilling and the creative ecosystem.
Initiatives like TCOTF, he suggested, are small but meaningful steps in building that ecosystem at the grassroots level.
He also mentioned NDFF’s daily digital newsletter Talk Cinema Daily, which curates important developments from the world of serious and meaningful cinema.
A Film Rooted in Patience and Belief
The highlight of the SPOTLIGHT session was the filmmaker Mithun Pramanik and screening of his documentary film The Scientist Who Runs at Night. Mithun had travelled from Kolkata to be present at the event.
The film had recently won the Best Documentary Award at the CEC-UGC Educational Film Festival and has been recognised across multiple platforms.
As the film unfolded, it became evident that this was not just a documentary — it was a story shaped by patience, time and deep commitment.
The Story of a Relentless Scientist
At its core, the film chronicles the life and work of Sujoy Kumar Guha, a Padma Shri awardee who has devoted over five decades to developing RISUG, a revolutionary male contraceptive.
Even beyond the age of 80, Prof. Guha continues his research with remarkable dedication. Over the years, he has contributed to more than a hundred innovations, yet his journey has remained largely outside mainstream recognition.
One of his reflections in the film stands out — that in the span of human history, fifty years is not a long time, but the years lost to procedural delays and systemic barriers carry their own weight.
This quiet persistence, captured with sensitivity, forms the emotional core of the film.
An Impact That Lingers
As the film concluded, the applause in the room carried more than appreciation — it carried reflection.
There was a momentary pause, a silence that often follows a deeply absorbing experience.
For many in the audience, the film reinforced the need for such research-driven, real-life narratives in today’s content landscape — stories that do not merely entertain but inspire, reassure and provoke thought.
A Decade in the Making
In the post-screening interaction, Mithun Pramanik shared insights into the making of the film.
He revealed that the documentary took nearly ten years to complete. During this period, he travelled multiple times from Kolkata to Delhi, shooting in phases and gradually building the narrative.
The journey was far from easy — challenges of funding, time constraints, and uncertainty were constant. However, his belief in the story kept him going.
He also acknowledged the support of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, which played a crucial role in helping the film reach completion.
Having observed Prof. Guha closely over the years, Pramanik described him as
“a true hero — someone who continues to work quietly, without seeking attention.”
A Space for Dialogue and Learning
The interaction that followed turned into an open exchange of ideas.
Participants engaged actively, asking questions about the filmmaking process, the ethics of documentary storytelling, and the realities of working independently.
Daljit Wadhwa, Founding Director of SACAC, remarked that both the film and its subject serve as a strong source of inspiration, especially for young people navigating a fast-paced and often impatient world.
Where Conversations Continue
The formal session concluded with the felicitation of the filmmaker, but the engagement did not end there.
Over tea, conversations resumed in smaller groups. Participants connected with one another, exchanged ideas, and continued discussions on cinema and storytelling.
Many aspiring filmmakers took the opportunity to interact directly with Pramanik, seeking guidance and insights into their own journeys.
More Than an Event
Perhaps this is where Talk Cinema On The Floor reveals its true intent.
It is not just about screening films or hosting discussions.
It is about creating a space where cinema becomes a reason for people to come together — and where those interactions gradually evolve into a community.
In a city still shaping its identity as a serious cinema hub, such spaces hold significance.
Because here, cinema is not just watched.
It is experienced, discussed, and lived.
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