In two separate events, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the team behind The Elephant Whisperers, a documentary film that at the 95th Academy Awards (Oscars) became the first Indian production to win in the Documentary Short Subject, and listened to how its cinematic excellence has attracted acclaims from all around the world.
The photographs from the meeting were posted on the President of India’s official Twitter account with the following caption: “President Droupadi Murmu met Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga, the directors of the Oscar-winning film “The Elephant Whisperers.” She thanked them for demonstrating India’s legacy of conservation and coexisting with the environment in addition to congratulating them on receiving the award.”
In photographs released by the Prime Minister’s official Twitter account, he can be seen standing alongside the film’s director Kartiki Gonsalves and producer, Guneet Monga, as they embrace the Oscars. Monika Shergill, Netflix India’s VP of Content, is also visible in the photo.
“‘The Elephant Whisperers’ cinematic vision and popularity have gained global notice and accolades.” Today, I had the pleasure of meeting the great people who work on it. “They have made our nation very proud,” stated the tweet.
Producer Guneet Monga replied to the prime minister’s remark by saying, “Thank you for inviting us to your residence and appreciating our documentary. We value your encouragement and support. We are eager to keep producing “Make in India”, the powerful content that captures the depth and complexity of our country.
The 41-minute short documentary film, directed by Kartiki Gonsalves, portrays the cherished relationship between Raghu, an orphaned young elephant, and his carers, a mahout pair named Bomman and Bellie, who dedicate their lives to keeping him safe from poachers and raising him. The project, supported by Guneet’s company Sikhya Entertainment, outperformed four other nominees to win the award for Best Documentary Short, becoming the first Indian documentary and one of just two Indian productions to achieve so (the other being SS Rajamouli’s film “RRR”). The films “Haul Out,” “How Do You Measure A Year?”, “The Martha Mitchell Effect,” and “Stranger At The Gate” was up for nomination alongside “The Elephant Whisperers.”
What distinguishes ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ from other documentary films is that it is not only a heartwarming story about a relationship between animal and human and a fine example of how humans and animals can coexist, but it is also rooted in Indian culture, our long-forgotten principles, and preservation in the most optimistic, hopeful light. The film, which is set in South India’s Mudumalai National Park, showcases the natural splendour of the area. It delves into the lives of tribal people who embrace the natural world.
The impact that this small documentary had is a good example of how strong content can evoke emotions with its subtlety while still holding its own against bigger films. The film’s success can be attributed not only to its subject but also to the crew’s outstanding technical work.
The film’s exceptional cinematography and editing, combined with engaging narration, made it a masterpiece.
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