Netflix offering ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ stands shoulder-to-shoulder with ‘RRR’ as two (among three) of India’s proud cinematic offerings at the Oscars. ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ has been one of the most-talked-about releases ever since its release.
2022 had been one of the best years for Netflix with, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, ‘Monica O My Darling’, ‘Darlings’, ‘Delhi Crime 2’, ‘RRR’ and the documentary ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ among other films. Interestingly, the platform has not one but two Oscar-nominated projects, solidifying its position as the go-to streaming platform in India and across the world. Besides these two 'All That Breathes' is India's 3rd nomination at this year's Oscars.
When Priscilla Gonsalves penned down the story of ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ and Kartiki Gonsalves decided to make her directorial debut with it, little did the two talented ladies know that this passion project would bag itself an Oscar nomination for ‘Best Documentary Short Film’.
Backed by another female power producer, Guneet Monga of Sikhya Entertainment and Aachin Jain, who both believed in and backed the project, this small gem of a documentary went on to make a big global impact and was quickly lapped up by Netflix, which allowed it to reach far and wide.
What makes ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ distinct from other documentaries is the fact that it wasn’t just a heart-touching story of a bond between animal and human and a shining example of how we can continue to coexist, but also touched upon Indian culture, our long-forgotten values and spoke of conservation in the most positive, hopeful light.
‘The Elephant Whisperers’ follows the bond that develops between an indigenous couple and an orphaned baby elephant, Raghu, who was entrusted to their care. Set in the Mudumalai National Park in South India, the documentary also highlights the natural beauty of the location. It explores the life of the tribal people in harmony with nature.
The impact this little documentary made is a wonderful sign of how strong content can win hearts with its subtlety and hold its own against bigger films.