Nilgiris - A Shared Wilderness is a 2025 Indian nature documentary film directed by Sandesh Kadur , Produced by Rohini Nilekani and Narrated by Susheela Raman. The film features Nilgiri Mountains, India's first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The film is a co-production between Felis Films and Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. The film was certified "U" by the Central Board of Film Certification and was released theatrically on 18 July 2025 by Dheeraj Films. The film was also screened at various venues across India.
Synopsis 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.
The documentary emphasises the effect of human intervention on nature, including colonial plantations, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and the expanding town of Ooty. It also covers the wilderness still remaining in: herds of gaur, leopard cubs dart among tea bushes, and packs of dholes. The documentary has stated its aim as showcasing the fragile balance between human and nature that has lasted in the multiple generations.
Production Principal photography commenced in July 2022 across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. 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.
Release Nilgiris - A Shared Wilderness was premiered at the National Film Development Corporation Tagore Film Centre in Chennai on 4 November 2024. After several private and public screening at various cities across India, the film was theatrically released on 18 July 2025 at more than 45 screens across India.
Film festivals +YearFestivalAwardJackson wildBest sound 2025World Film Festival in CannesBest Nature/Wildlife Film
Best Indian FilmWorldFest-Houston International Film FestBest DocumentaryFestival de Cine Santiago WildNatural History (Nominee) 56th International Film Festival of India in Indian Panorama, Non-feature Films section.
References
External links
Nilgiris - A Shared Wilderness at Felis Films