Latest news with #TheElephantWhisperers
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Guneet Monga: From Oscars to winning hearts
But the road, of course, wasn't easy. She noted, 'You know, being young, people don't take you seriously; there is so much, like raising money, executing very large projects, sales, marketing, the entire process of it. There is one aspect, which is logistics, and the other aspect is the creatives. Everywhere, finding your voice and being heard was a challenge. But I think all we can do is work, put our heads down, and focus. Our work then speaks louder than words. Today, Guneet is not just a producer; she's a name that represents meaningful storytelling in Indian cinema. When it comes to choosing what kind of stories she wants to back, she follows her instincts. 'It's deeply intuitive and has to be something that resonates with me and my life experiences,' she shared. Her role as a producer, she explained, is all about balance. 'Depends on the scripts. Again, it is also important to read something and be able to personally connect with it and understand what I can bring to it as a producer. As a producer, I sit between equity and the arts. It's one thing to find something and like it, and then there's the other aspect of what my journey on this project will be like and how I can elevate it. That is what matters to me in a wholesome way,' she said, adding, 'Another aspect is the relationship with the director, because it's two to three years of work. So, it's important for that connection to be healthy too, and for everyone to take each other's feedback.' Reflecting on one of the proudest moments of her career, she spoke about the unforgettable Oscar win for The Elephant Whisperers: 'Surreal! And also to see my director Kartiki Gonsalves as a first-time director and win an Oscar with me.'
India.com
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
From The Roshans To House Of Secrets: 7 Indian Documentaries On Netflix You Cant Miss
photoDetails english 2932867 Indian Documentaries Watchlist: This weekend, dive into these spine-chilling documentaries based on true events. Relive what really happened, understand the 'why' behind it all, and hear firsthand accounts from the people who lived through it. A gripping, raw, and unmissable experience. From award winning docu series to haunted truths this list has it all. Check full list!c Updated:Jul 16, 2025, 09:03 PM IST Curry & Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case 1 / 7 'Curry & Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case' that delves into the chilling Koodathayi cyanide killings in Kerala, India, where six family members died between 2002 and 2016. The film centers on Jolly Joseph, accused of poisoning her relatives with cyanide-laced food to inherit property and marry her lover. Indian Predator: The Butcher Of Delhi 2 / 7 Indian Predator: The Butcher of Delhi is about Chandrakant Jha, a serial killer active in Delhi from 2003 to 2007. Known for leaving decapitated bodies near Tihar Jail with mocking notes, the series delves into his crimes, motivations, and the investigation, featuring insights from law enforcement and experts. Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous 3 / 7 'Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous' explores the life of Indian rapper and music producer Yo Yo Honey Singh. Directed by Mozez Singh, it follows his rise to fame, his struggles with mental health, particularly bipolar disorder, and his sudden disappearance from the music scene. The film provides an intimate look at his comeback and features interviews with family, friends and industry peers. The Elephant Whisperers 4 / 7 The Elephant Whisperers (2022) is an Indian documentary by Kartiki Gonsalves, following Bomman and Bellie, an indigenous couple in South India, as they care for Raghu, an orphaned baby elephant. After his mother's death, the couple forms a deep bond with Raghu. The film, praised for its heartfelt portrayal of their dedication, won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film at the 95th Academy Awards, marking a major milestone for Indian cinema. The Roshans 5 / 7 The Roshans is a documentary that explores the legacy of the Roshan family in Bollywood, highlighting the journey of Roshan, Rakesh Roshan, and Hrithik Roshan across music, filmmaking, and acting. The Romantics 6 / 7 The Romantics is a four-part Netflix documentary that explores the legacy of legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra and his production company, Yash Raj Films (YRF). The series features interviews with over 35 prominent industry figures, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Hrithik Roshan. It highlights YRF's iconic films and their influence on Bollywood, particularly in shaping the genre of romance. House Of Secrets: The Burari Deaths 7 / 7 House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths offers a chilling and thought-provoking exploration of one of India's most unsettling real-life mysteries. (All Images: IMDb/ Netflix)
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Oscar Winner Guneet Monga Kapoor, Vikramaditya Motwane Join India's Kashish LGBTQ+ Film Fest Jury (EXCLUSIVE)
Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor and filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane are among 16 jury members set to judge 12 competition categories at the 16th edition of India's Kashish Pride Film Festival. Joining Monga Kapoor ('The Elephant Whisperers,' 'The Lunchbox,' 'Masaan') and Motwane ('Black Warrant,' 'Udaan,' 'Jubilee') are director-producer Abhishek Chaubey ('Dedh Ishqiya,' 'Udta Punjab,' 'Sonchiriya') and producer Neeraj Churi ('Sabar Bonda,' 'Ek Jagah Apni') as jury members for the Kashish QDrishti Film Grant, which awards $3000 to an LGBTQ+ identifying filmmaker to make a short film. Actor Renuka Shahane ('Hum Aapke Hai Kaun,' 'Imtihaan') will support two runners-up. More from Variety Venice Selection 'Stolen' Acquired by Prime Video (EXCLUSIVE) Oscar Winner Guneet Monga Kapoor Brings Rising Indian Producers to Cannes Through Women in Film India Fellowship (EXCLUSIVE) 'Life of Pi' Stage Adaptation in Spotlight as IFFLA Expands Industry Days (EXCLUSIVE) The narrative jury features actor Shishir Sharma ('Raazi,' 'Mary Kom,' 'Dangal'), actor and TV host Shruti Seth ('Shararat,' 'Fanaa,' 'Raajneeti') and filmmaker Tanuja Chandra ('Dushman,' 'Sur,' 'Qarib Qarib Single'), who will adjudge best narrative feature and shorts, best screenplay and best performance awards. These categories receive backing from Taiwanese streaming platform GagaOoLala, production house Samruddhi Studios and actor Abhay Kulkarni. Documentary filmmakers Bishaka Dutta ('In the Flesh,' 'Taza Khabar'), Prateek Vats ('Eeb Allay Ooo!,' 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings') and Shubhra Chatterjee ('Rainbow Rishta,' 'Lost Recipes') comprise the documentary jury, selecting winners of the unity in diversity documentary feature and short awards, supported by K.F. Patil Charitable Trust. The student shorts jury includes actors Siddharth Menon ('Loev,' 'Karwaan,' 'June'), director-producer Sudhanshu Saria ('Ulajh,' 'Loev,' 'Knock Knock Knock') and Mubi programming director Svetlana Naudiyal, with support from Whistling Woods International. Additional awards include the Riyad Wadia Award for best emerging Indian filmmaker, Ismat Chughtai Award for best woman filmmaker of Indian origin, and Aditya Nanda Award for best film on mental health, backed by Nargis and Roy Wadia (Wadia Movietone), filmmaker Ashish Sawhny and Akshay Tyagi (Keshav Suri Foundation). The festival runs June 4-8, kicking off Pride Month with screenings at St. Andrews Auditorium in Bandra, Mumbai, on opening night, then moving to Cinepolis Andheri West and Alliance Francaise Marine Lines for the remainder of the fest. This year's edition showcases 152 films from 48 countries, including entries from Iceland, Peru, Serbia, Uzbekistan, Nigeria and Palestine. Indian films lead with 37 titles, followed by 34 from the U.S. and 19 from the U.K. The festival also features a strong South Asian presence with films from India, Bangladesh and Bhutan. 'Queer,' directed by Luca Guadagnino and starring Daniel Craig, will bookend the festival alongside 'Close To You,' directed by Dominic Savage and featuring Elliot Page as lead actor and producer. Other key titles include Dutch film 'Out' by Dennis Alink and 'Odd Fish' by Snævar Sölvason, set in Iceland. Onir's multiple award-winning 'We Are Faheem & Karun' serves as the Indian narrative centerpiece, while Romanian entry 'Three Kilometers To The End Of The World' by Emanuel Parvu is the international narrative centerpiece. The festival pays tribute to late patron Shyam Benegal with a screening of his 1983 classic 'Mandi,' starring Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Neena Gupta, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Soni Razdan and Amrish Puri. Best of Variety 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz
Arab News
17-05-2025
- General
- Arab News
Indian state honors ‘elephant whisperers' from Oscar-winning documentary with special village
NEW DELHI: India's elephant caretakers in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, whose roles were brought to global attention in an Oscar-winning documentary, were honored with a special village by the local government as part of an effort to recognize their dedication to the conservation of the mammals. The story of a mahout couple in Tamil Nadu who devote themselves to caring for an orphaned baby elephant was central to 'The Elephant Whisperers' film, which became the first Indian documentary to win an Oscar in 2023. Since the documentary brought the role of the mahouts — a Hindi word for elephant caretakers — to the international spotlight, the Tamil Nadu government has been working to further empower and honor them. On Tuesday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the Mahout Village at the state's Theppakadu Elephant Camp. Dubbed the first of its kind, the special area comprises 44 houses for each of the mammals' keepers and their families. 'The film 'The Elephant Whisperers' played an important part in building the houses for mahouts, there is no doubt about it,' Supriya Sahu, additional chief secretary for environment, climate change and forests in Tamil Nadu, told Arab News. 'We will make sure that the people, the indigenous community who take care of our elephants, are also suitably taken care of. That is the idea behind (this program). It's a tribute to them.' Built at a cost of about $670,000, the houses at Mahout Village use solar lights and fences, and were constructed in consultation with the mahouts. The area also comes with communal facilities, including a basketball court and a kids' playground. Mahouts have long been integral in wildlife conservation across many South and Southeast Asian countries. India is home to some 30,000 Asian elephants, representing at least 60 percent of the species' global population. Tamil Nadu itself is home to about 3,100 elephants. With the buzz around 'The Elephant Whisperers' following its Oscar win, Bomman and Bellie, the couple from the Kattunayakan tribal group who were featured in the film, had urged the government to consider building houses for the mahouts. 'One good thing that has happened is the documentary brought attention to the indigenous people who have been taking care of elephants for generations,' Bomman told Arab News. 'The houses are really a recognition for those who have been taking care of elephants and helped in the preservation of nature.' For C. Maari, a 52-year-old mahout, the Oscar-winning documentary helped show the possibility of human-wildlife coexistence. 'The documentary no doubt highlighted our issues and the world outside came to know that humans and animals understand each other, and can coexist together if we don't intrude in each others' space,' Maari told Arab News. He is hopeful that the new housing will help his community better take care of the elephants. 'I am really happy that I got the house. Earlier, we used to live in a hut without any facilities inside the jungle. We used to struggle for basic amenities, like toilets and other facilities,' he said. 'For generations, we have been friends with elephants and we understand their needs. Both of us have been surviving together for generations and the houses are the recognition of our contribution in maintaining the animal world.'
India Today
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
India's Elephant Whisperers celebrate first-ever mahout village. Watch video
Tamil Nadu's Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, home to India's oldest elephant camp, witnessed a moment of quiet magic recently, as IAS officer and environmentalist Supriya Sahu reunited with Raghu and Bommi, the elephant calves who captured global hearts in the Oscar-winning documentary 'The Elephant Whisperers'.But this wasn't a formal inspection. It was a homecoming of the long ago, the world watched spellbound as Raghu and Bommi's story unfolded on-screen, a tale of orphaned calves and the gentle, grounded humans who raised them with unwavering The film, a moving ode to human-animal bonding, shone a spotlight on the Theppakadu Elephant Camp in Tamil Nadu, where caretakers known as mahouts and cavadys become lifelong companions to the elephants they tale, however, didn't end when the credits rolled. India's Elephant Whisperers celebrate first-ever mahout village. Watch video In the dappled sunlight of the Nilgiris, life continues, quieter but no less meaningful. And now, a new chapter unfolds. A reunion is captured in a photograph that needs no Sahu offers sugarcane to Raghu, who gently accepts it, his eyes mirroring the innocence of trust hard-earned. Bommi, ever calm, stands close, watchful, serene, and safe.A CAMP WHERE WOUNDS HEALadvertisementAt the heart of this reunion is the Theppakadu Elephant Camp, nestled within the Mudumalai National Park. It remains a sanctuary not just for Raghu and Bommi, but for dozens of elephants who arrive bearing wounds, some inflicted by the wild, others by humans. Here, amid ancient trees and flowing rivers, those wounds are tended with patience and many of whom have spent lifetimes working in tandem with these gentle giants, offer more than food and shelter; they offer continuity, companionship, and a future. COEXISTENCE IN THE WILDTamil Nadu's story of compassionate conservation isn't a solitary one. Over in Assam's Golaghat district, local communities have quietly become champions of coexistence, opening corridors, reducing conflict, and learning to walk alongside the elephants who share their land. It's a model for human-wildlife harmony that India, and the world, can learn not every chapter is hopeful. In one viral video shared by IAS Sahu earlier, an elephant is seen chewing on discarded plastic, a moment of heartbreak that starkly reflects our ecological scenes jar us into remembering that we are not just stewards of the wild, we are, far too often, its greatest realities, both tender and tragic, form the complete portrait of elephant conservation in India, where moments of joy exist alongside calls for urgent remains unshaken is the silent, soulful dialogue between humans and elephants, a bond formed not through power but through empathy. It is a relationship that endures through droughts and downpours, fame and forgetfulness, pain and Supriya Sahu's visit reminds us, caring for elephants isn't a seasonal duty, it is a sacred Raghu and Bommi's journey be more than a film. Let it be a living story. Let it call us to action, to awareness, to awe. Let us listen—truly listen, to the whispers of the Watch
