G N Ramachandran is among the most ingenious and impactful scientists in the history of Indian Science. He is most remembered for discovering the structure of the protein collagen and for conceptualizing the Ramachandran map. The field of research Ramachandran trained in is called x-ray crystallography, which involved the study of molecules using x-ray techniques. When he began his career in the early 1950s, the use of x-rays to understand huge and complex biological molecules was in its early stages. The solution of the DNA structure (1952) is arguably the most popular example of this new field called structural biology. In fact, Ramachandran was responsible for establishing structural biology in India. The Ramachandran map has fascinated scientists in this field for decades. What is equally fascinating is Ramachandran and his team’s journey to the map. The fact that Ramachandran could make fundamental contributions in a growing field in the early years of post-independent India is particularly noteworthy.

This documentary is about this exceptional scientist, the events that led him to transform structural biology and crystallography, and his impact on these fields in India and worldwide. Produced in 2019-20, it features Ramachandran’s family and students/colleagues, as well as experts in structural biology, who illustrate why he should be remembered and celebrated. The documentary won the ‘Best of Festival’ award at the 8th International Science Film Festival of India in 2020.