The short film 'Chalo Chanakya,' depicting the grassroots environmental movement in Navi Mumbai, crafted by Shree Kumar Krishnan, premiered at the India Civic Summit held in Bengaluru, elicited an enthusiastic response from the audience.

Navi Mumbai's 'Chalo Chanakya' movement, propelled by the impassioned efforts of residents and led by Sunil Agarwal, gained international recognition through the lens of Shree Kumar Krishnan, an acclaimed photographer and filmmaker. Krishnan, known for his insightful documentary work on environmental issues, meticulously documented the plight of TS Chanakya wetlands, shedding light on their imminent destruction.

As a member of the Save Navi Mumbai environment group, Krishnan intimately observed the movement's evolution, attending protest marches tirelessly over eight weeks starting from December 2023. His dedication culminated in the creation of a poignant short film, capturing the essence of the struggle through evocative imagery of migratory birds like flamingos inhabiting the threatened wetlands.

'Chalo Chanakya' serves as a powerful ode to environmental consciousness, interweaving poetry and raga to underscore the urgency of wetland preservation. Krishnan's motivation stemmed from witnessing the devastation caused by the indiscriminate felling of 125 mangrove trees in Navi Mumbai, highlighting the relentless encroachment of urban development at the expense of precious natural habitats.

Sunil Agarwal, reflecting on the film's message, lamented the prevailing inaction and apathy towards environmental conservation. The film concludes with a poignant question, prompting viewers to contemplate the consequences of indifference: "Till when will you sleep?"

Sreekumar Krishnan, a multifaceted artist recognized for his international accolades in photography and filmmaking, has been a vocal advocate for Navi Mumbai's mangroves and wetlands. His work has been showcased at prestigious events such as the Kala Ghoda festival and the UN COP summit, amplifying awareness on environmental issues globally. His unwavering dedication has earned him acclaim and recognition, further galvanizing efforts to protect Navi Mumbai's biodiversity.