Civic Studios, the Mumbai and London-based film studio known for projects such as ‘Christmas Karma’, the UK’s Oscar entry ‘Santosh’, and IFFR Netpac winner ‘Schirkoa: In Lies We Trust’, marked a significant step in climate storytelling with the screening of its short film ‘It’s Only 47°C’ at the inaugural Mumbai Climate Week (MCW). The event positions Civic Studios firmly as a climate media innovator, using cinema as a catalyst for public engagement and climate action.

According to a press release issued on February 4, 2026, the film was showcased as part of Mumbai Climate Week, India’s first dedicated platform aimed at accelerating climate action across the city. The screening underscores Civic Studios’ larger vision of building a climate-focused media ecosystem that blends compelling narratives with impact-driven outreach.

Set against the backdrop of an unforgiving urban heatwave, ‘It’s Only 47°C’ explores climate inequality in contemporary urban India through the story of traffic constable Laxman Chaubey. As the city pushes past breaking point under extreme heat, the film reveals a stark reality: climate change is not endured equally. Everyday routines become acts of endurance, exposing the invisible labour and physical toll borne by those most exposed to rising temperatures.

The short film stars Sharib Hashmi (‘The Family Man’) and is written and directed by Tej Sisodia. It is produced by Naseeruddin Shah and Anushka Shah, founder of Civic Studios, with Harish Borah serving as executive producer. The narrative is anchored by a powerful poem penned by Swanand Kirkire, lending emotional depth and urgency to the story.

The screening, held on February 4 at Redbulb Studios in Andheri West, was followed by a panel discussion featuring Tej Sisodia, Naseeruddin Shah, Harish Borah, Akshata Samant and Shishir Joshi, CEO and founder of Project Mumbai. The session was moderated by filmmaker Devashish Makhija and focused on the role of storytelling in addressing climate inequality and driving meaningful action.

Speaking on the film, Anushka Shah said the project was born out of a pressing need to highlight how extreme heat disproportionately affects different sections of society. Naseeruddin Shah added that the sincerity and conviction behind the film made it an effort he was keen to support without hesitation.

‘It’s Only 47°C’ is part of Civic Studios’ broader Climate Media Ecosystem, a multi-platform initiative designed for scale and impact. Beyond films, the studio is experimenting with children’s animation adapted from Indian environmental books, rural radio storytelling through its ‘Haat Baat’ series, integrations with leading EdTech platforms, a social media climate fund for creators, and a Climate Media Fund of approximately Rs.10 crore to embed climate narratives into mainstream cinema and series.

By expanding climate stories beyond traditional formats and into classrooms, radio, social media and popular entertainment, Civic Studios is working to make climate action feel relatable and collective. With ‘It’s Only 47°C’, the studio reinforces its belief that climate narratives, when told with honesty and cultural sensitivity, can shape awareness and inspire change where it matters most.