Chennai: Wild Tamil Nadu, a landmark wildlife documentary produced by Sundram Fasteners Ltd., premiered on 16th October 2025 at PVR Sathyam, Chennai, in the presence of filmmakers, conservationists, and dignitaries.
Directed by Kalyan Varma and produced in collaboration with Nature inFocus, with the support of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, the film captures the stunning ecological richness of Tamil Nadu—one of India’s most biodiverse states. The documentary aims to evoke a sense of pride and inspire deeper commitment towards conservation among viewers.
Wild Tamil Nadu showcases the State’s diverse ecosystems—from rainforests and coral reefs to croplands and arid deserts—revealing a breathtaking range of wildlife and natural beauty. Drawing inspiration from ancient Sangam literature, the film explores Tamil Nadu through its five classical landscapes—Kurinji (mountains), Mullai (forests), Marutham (croplands), Neithal (coasts), and Palai (arid zones)—each serving as a timeless reflection of the region’s ecological heritage.
Spanning over four years in production, the one-hour cinematic journey brings to life the stories of iconic species like elephants and leopards alongside lesser-known wonders such as lion-tailed macaques, fireflies, and the elusive Madras hedgehog.
The documentary’s soundtrack is composed by three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej, who blends Carnatic traditions with orchestral arrangements to amplify the natural soundscape, while narration by acclaimed actor Arvind Swamy brings the story alive.
Speaking at the premiere, Arathi Krishna, Managing Director, Sundram Fasteners Ltd., said, “At Sundram Fasteners, we are proud to support initiatives that celebrate and safeguard our natural heritage. This documentary goes beyond the lens—it captures the soul of Tamil Nadu’s wilderness, its vibrant ecosystems, and the deep bond between people and nature. As we unveil the full film today, we hope it inspires a renewed commitment to protect what makes our planet truly extraordinary.”
Director Kalyan Varma called Wild Tamil Nadu “one of the most significant projects” of his career, adding, “My vision was to share a deeper story—a land where culture and wilderness are inseparably intertwined. Tamil Nadu is extraordinary for the astonishing variety of habitats it sustains. This documentary is my attempt to illuminate those stories and highlight the fragile, irreplaceable diversity that merits our shared protection.”
Composer Ricky Kej shared, “It’s an immense honor to compose music for Wild Tamil Nadu, a film that showcases the breathtaking natural beauty of Tamil Nadu. As someone who has dedicated their career to creating music that celebrates the natural world and raises awareness about social causes, collaborating with Director Kalyan Varma was a natural fit. Working on this film not only allowed me to contribute to his beautiful vision but also deepened my understanding of Tamil Nadu’s wildlife. I felt a responsibility to craft music that truly represents the state and its incredible animals, creating a lasting sonic identity for these stunning landscapes. You will hear voices, choirs, lush orchestras, Carnatic flute, violin, morsing, veena and various instruments from Tamil Nadu and beyond. The music flowed effortlessly, reflecting the film’s essence and my own connection to the subject.”
With its evocative visuals, poetic narrative, and immersive score, Wild Tamil Nadu stands as a cinematic tribute to the State’s biodiversity — a reminder that Tamil Nadu’s wild heart beats with both cultural and ecological resonance.
Credits
Director: Kalyan Varma
Producer: Arathi Krishna, Sundram Fasteners Ltd
Original Music: Ricky Kej
Narrator: Arvind Swamy
Co-director & Editor: Akhilesh Tambe
Executive Producer: Rohit Varma
