Acclaimed Filmmaker Captures Tamil Nadu's Untapped Wildlife Wonders

In October 2025, acclaimed wildlife filmmaker Kalyan Varma launched his latest documentary, "Wild Tamil Nadu," which explores the rich and unexplored biodiversity of the southern Indian state. Supported by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, the film captures the variety of habitats and species across the state, many of which remain undocumented or unseen on the big screen.

Varma, known for his acclaimed works like "Project Tiger" and "Wild Karnataka," faced the challenge of finding fresh stories for this project. Through extensive research and collaboration with scientists, forest officials, and locals, the team uncovered untold narratives, including the Madras hedgehog, a species never filmed before and found only in Tamil Nadu.

The documentary's unique approach is rooted in Tamil Nadu's ancient Sangam literature, which classifies natural landscapes into five distinct habitats. Varma used these traditional classifications to structure the visual journey and bring a culturally-rich perspective to the storytelling. Additionally, the team enlisted the voice of acclaimed actor Arvind Swami to narrate the film, further enhancing its authenticity and appeal.

To capture the state's diverse marine life and birdlife, the filmmakers focused their efforts on locations such as Pulicat Lake near Chennai and the southern coasts around Tuticorin and Rameswaram. The documentary also features footage from the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and other parts of the Western Ghats, showcasing the region's rich wildlife.

"Wild Tamil Nadu" aims to showcase the full breadth of the state's biodiversity and raise awareness about its lesser-known natural treasures, inspiring viewers to appreciate and protect this unique ecosystem.