Nilgiris - A Shared Wilderness | |
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![]() Film Poster | |
Directed by | Sandesh Kadur |
Written by | Sandesh Kadur |
Produced by |
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Narrated by | Susheela Raman |
Cinematography |
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Edited by |
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Music by |
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Production company | Felis Films |
Release dates |
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Running time | 75 minutes |
Country | India |
Languages | English, Tamil |
Nilgiris - A Shared Wilderness is a 2025 Indian nature documentary film directed by Sandesh Kadur and Produced by Rohini Nilekani. The film features Nilgiri Mountains, India's first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. [1] The film is a co-production between Felis Films and Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. [2] The film was certified "U" by the Central Board of Film Certification and was released theatrically on 18 July 2025. [3]
Nilgiris is India's first Biosphere Reserve known for sacred rivers, waterfalls and deep gorges including Moyar River Gorge. The Nilgiris Reserve encompasses the largest network of protected areas in the India. [4]
For over two and a half billion years, these mountains have been sculpted by the relentless forces of nature. Yet, in just a few centuries, human intervention has reshaped this pristine landscape - colonial plantations, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and the expanding town of Ooty have left their indelible marks. Still, amidst this transformed terrain, the Nilgiris remain a sanctuary where wild creatures thrive on the edge of human presence: herds of gaur roam through roam through towns, playful leopard cubs dart among tea bushes, and fierce pack of dholes nurture their young amid the unfolding chaos. [5]
The film unfolds the story of this extraordinary meeting place where wildlife and humans collide, revealing a fragile balance that has preserved this enchanted realm for generations. [5]
Principal photography commenced in July 2022 across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. [6] Post-production took place between September and October 2024 at Films@59 in Bristol, UK. Sound design and mixing were done at Wounded Buffalo in Bristol, UK.
Nilgiris - A Shared Wilderness was premiered at the National Film Development Corporation Tagore Film Centre in Chennai on 4 November 2024. [5] After several private and public screening at various cities across India, [7] the film was theatrically released on 18 July 2025 at more than 45 screens across India. [8]
Year | Festival | Award |
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2025 | World Film Festival in Cannes | Best Nature/Wildlife Film Best Indian Film |
WorldFest-Houston International Film Fest | Best Documentary | |
Festival de Cine Santiago Wild | Natural History (Nominee) |