The writer-director is developing a documentary that will look at the growing noise levels in urban spaces and their impact on everyday life.
Writer-director Swapnil Mahaling is turning his attention to a subject that is increasingly becoming part of everyday urban life — noise pollution. Mahaling is currently developing a documentary that will examine how excessive noise affects people, communities and the environment, with Mumbai expected to play an important role in the film.
Rather than looking at noise pollution only as a matter of decibel levels, the documentary will explore the issue through the experiences of people living and working in busy cities. Traffic, construction activity, industrial operations and high-volume public celebrations are among the sources of urban noise that the project plans to examine.
Mumbai, with its constantly active streets and densely populated urban spaces, is expected to provide a significant backdrop for the documentary. The film will use real-world locations and everyday situations to capture the changing soundscape of the city.
A key part of the project will be its human perspective. Along with citizens sharing their experiences, Mahaling plans to bring environmental experts and scientists into the conversation. The documentary will look at the psychological, physiological and social aspects associated with prolonged exposure to excessive noise.
“Noise pollution is not just about decibels — it’s about dignity, peace of mind, and the right to live in a healthy environment,” says Mahaling. Through the documentary, the filmmaker hopes to encourage a wider discussion around the issue, including the role of policy and the responsibility of citizens.
Exploring the Balance Between Celebration and Responsibility
Festivals, processions and community celebrations are another aspect the documentary intends to examine. Instead of viewing the subject simply through the lens of restrictions, the project will look at whether cultural celebrations and greater awareness about excessive sound can exist alongside each other.
The experiences of children, senior citizens and other people who may be particularly affected by excessive noise are expected to form part of this exploration. The documentary will also place the issue within the broader context of public health, environmental awareness and urban planning.
For Mahaling, the project offers an opportunity to use documentary filmmaking to examine a problem that has become so familiar in cities that it can often go unnoticed. By bringing together personal stories, expert perspectives and scientific information, the filmmaker intends to encourage audiences to think differently about the sounds that surround them every day.
The documentary is currently in the planning and development stage, with production expected to begin later in 2026. Mahaling is also exploring potential collaborations with NGOs, environmental activists, experts and educational institutions as the project develops.
More details about the documentary’s title, participating experts, production schedule and release plans are expected to be announced at a later stage.
