Vrushti Shah

AR3596

The research attempts to revisit the regional Gujarati cinema and dissect its scope in visualizing the architectural space. Hellaro (2019), by Abhishek Shah, is chosen as a case study to substantiate the argument on the potential regional films hold on impacting the architecture we envisage. Based on the events and lifestyle in Kutch, the study deals with an understanding of the term ‘regional identity' and its implications on both films and architecture. Given equal importance to the cinematic techniques used in the powerful portrayal of the narrative, the cinematic shots from the visuals are decoded to understand the veiled messages it aims to deliver. The further inquiry is about the negotiations the film makes between projecting the architectural space and cinematic space and its modifications to accommodate the requirements of the story and the context. The film tries to portray the modernist ideology via discussions by the characters on ‘modernism’, women in cinema, the role of media and symbolism in architecture. The research ultimately attempts to draw out the affiliations the audiences can make through the display of regional architecture, thereby understanding its influence on the region.