Kumaraguru Institutions, in association with Felis Creations and Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, recently, hosted the premiere of the documentary Nilgiris – A Shared Wilderness, directed by acclaimed National Geographic Explorer and wildlife filmmaker Sandesh Kadur.

Over 400 people with a sizable number of children watched the premiere of the documentary at the Sarabhai Kalam Theatre in the Kumaraguru Campus.

This exceptional event was organized as part of the 17th edition of Coimbatore Vizha, celebrating Coimbatore’s vibrant spirit and its connection with the natural world.

The documentary shot extensively over two years, takes audiences on a captivating journey through the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR), one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.

Covering 5,500 square kilometres across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, the film showcases the unique flora and fauna of the Nilgiris while highlighting the shared coexistence of humans and wildlife in the region.

The premiere began with warm welcomes from the Kumaraguru Institutions’ leadership and the documentary team. Rohan Matthias, Associate Producer, emphasized the collaborative efforts with forest departments and philanthropist Rohini Nilekani’s commitment to conservation, which were instrumental in bringing the film to life.

Camera person Parinith Gowda, Field Assistant Sourav Gowda and Cinematographer Nakul Raj of the documentary shared insights into the film’s creation, noting the significance of preserving biodiversity for future generations.

They highlighted the Nilgiris’ role as home to the largest populations of Bengal tigers and Asiatic elephants, as well as countless endemic species and native plants.

The documentary captures the wilderness with stunning visuals and reinforces the importance of environmental stewardship, leaving the audience inspired to cherish and protect the natural heritage of the Nilgiris.

Following the screening, a Q&A session and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the film deepened the audience’s appreciation for the effort behind documenting this ecological treasure.

Speaking before felicitating the makers of the film, Shankar Vanavarayar, President of Kumaraguru Institutions, lauded the makers for offering a visual treat through their spectacular visuals.

He noted how the documentary provides a rare glimpse into the wild and inspires the younger generation to become torchbearers of conservation activities.