Filmmaker Sandesh Kadur’s new documentary unveils Nilgiris’ unique biodiversity

The Nilgiris, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve nestled in India’s Western Ghats, is a region unlike any other in the country. Here, tropical forests, high-altitude grasslands, and shola woodlands converge in a unique ecosystem that supports an extraordinary range of wildlife. From leopards and gaur to the laughing thrush, the species found here often adapt in unexpected ways to the encroaching human landscapes around them. However, it is not just the animals but also the people, following an ancient tradition of coexistence, who play a role in preserving this delicate balance.

This interdependence is the subject of Nilgiris – A Shared Wilderness, a newly-released documentary produced by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and directed by acclaimed wildlife filmmaker Sandesh Kadur. Launched in Chennai on November 3 to coincide with the International Day for Biosphere Reserves, the film highlights the resilience of Nilgiris’ wildlife amid increasing encroachment and the ongoing efforts to foster a culture of conservation.

Sandesh, whose films have been shown on various leading television networks, including National Geographic Channel, BBC, Discovery Channel, and Animal Planet, discusses the project’s origins, “This journey began about three years ago with a conversation between Rohini, Nandan Nilekani, and myself. Rohini, who spends a lot of time in the Nilgiris, brought up the topic during one of our evening walks.”

Despite extensive literature on the Nilgiris, the group found no comprehensive documentary specifically about this mountain range, a surprising discovery considering its status as India’s first UNESCO biosphere reserve. That realisation sparked their ambition to create one.

Reverse story

As a filmmaker with a deep connection to the Nilgiris, Sandesh was well-suited to the task. He recounts his experiences photographing the region for his book Sahyadris: India’s Western Ghats – A Vanishing Heritage. “I spent a lot of time exploring all sides of the Nilgiris. It was my first proper introduction to this unique landscape, where you can experience a variety of habitats within half a day. You can go from scrub forests on the north side to tropical forests along the slopes, then to grasslands and sholas. It’s incredibly unique in that way.”

The documentary takes viewers on a journey through this landscape, revealing an ecosystem where human and wildlife futures are increasingly intertwined. Sandesh explains, “The nature of the place is such that there’s a lot of wildlife spillover into tea gardens, private homes, and other spaces.” He notes that while wildlife numbers are declining globally, the Nilgiris present a “reverse story” where species like leopards and gaur are increasingly seen cohabiting with humans.

A Sambar deer amidst the tea bushes in the Nilgiris
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Rohini, actively involved during the filming, recalls moments highlighting this interaction, including seeing the Moyar waterfall and watching a black panther with its cubs in a tea estate. She’s witnessed flycatchers bathing in her yard and even encountered a sloth bear wandering into her home.

For Rohini, these encounters reinforce a message of coexistence central to the film. “Animals are going to be everywhere. We cannot keep them locked up in forests,” she says. India’s biodiversity, she believes, has survived because of a 5,000-year-old cultural tradition of respecting nature. “Our film is a tribute to that culture,” she adds, “With our peak population and immense pressure on the land, animals and humans are competing for space. Young generations must understand how precious our biodiversity is, even for our own future.”

‘Create, connect, conserve’

The film encourages audiences to embrace a broader understanding of wilderness, one that includes human-occupied spaces. “The Nilgiris is an amazing example of this successful adaptation,” Sandesh says, adding that the documentary illustrates how animals like leopards and sambar deer have adjusted to life alongside people. Through sequences depicting leopards moving through tea gardens or deer grazing near homes, Nilgiris – A Shared Wilderness offers a perspective that questions conventional definitions of wilderness as isolated, untouched areas.

The documentary is rooted in a philosophy of “create, connect, conserve,” Sandesh explains. “We create powerful films that connect people and inspire them to help conserve the landscape around them, the natural spaces, and the wildlife.” His aim is to instil an appreciation for the unique species of the Nilgiris and encourage viewers to support conservation efforts. “For example, there’s the Nilgiri Salea, a lizard found only at 2,300 metres above the Nilgiri plateau,” he adds, “It cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. But you can find it in a garden in the middle of Ooty.”  

Nilgiri Chilappan
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

While the film touches lightly on human-animal conflict, Sandesh was careful not to dwell on it. “We consciously avoided focusing on human-wildlife conflict stories,” he notes, adding that while these stories can be dramatic, he wanted to highlight a message of peaceful coexistence. The documentary’s approach is not about casting blame but fostering respect for the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. “We aim to instil pride in having such unique and fascinating animals living nearby.”

Nifilm’s – A Shared Wilderness is both a celebration of the region and a call to action. As Sandesh puts it, “Seeing all this life trying so hard makes you want to work harder. It makes you feel like you need to be part of that resilience, embodying a bit of their spirit.”