Sundram Fasteners Releases 'Wild Tamil Nadu' Documentary

A documentary highlighting the rich biodiversity of Tamil Nadu has been launched. Titled "Wild Tamil Nadu," the film was produced by Sundaram Fasteners Ltd. and was released in Chennai on October 16, 2025.  

Along with showcasing the unique ecological landscapes in our state, the film intends to inspire pride and reinforce commitment to conservation efforts. The documentary was directed by Kalyan Varma, produced in association with Nature inFocus, and cooperated through the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.  

"Wild Tamil Nadu" offers a cinematic journey through the incredible ecosystems represented in the region, ranging from rainforest to coral reefs to arid desert, united at one of the most incredible ecological places on the world. The documentary depicts a wide variety of wildlife, not limited to the most popular species such as the elephant and leopard, as well as species less documented such as the lion-tailed macaque and the Madras hedgehog.

The documentary stands out from standard documentaries because of the way it is structured to mirror the principles of ancient Sangam literature. The film functions through the use of the five classical landscapes - or thinai - that appear in Tamil poetry dating back over 4,500 years: Kurinji (mountains), Mullai (forests), Marutham (croplands), Neithal (coasts) and Palai (arid zones). Each of these rich landscape categories function as cultural and historic anchors for examining the natural heritage of the state.

Given the challenges involved, it is surprising that the filming already took four years to complete. A crew of dedicated cameramen from South India worked tirelessly to obtain un-filmed animal behaviours and to capture the breathtaking landscapes of the region. This produced a one-hour film that endeavours to combine known natural history and stories that have yet to unfold on screen.

The documentary is narrated by acclaimed actor Arvind Swami, who adds an incredible voice to the journey. The score to the soundtrack was produced by three-time Grammy award winner Ricky Kej, who has blended Carnatic musical traditions with orchestral music to form a unique sonic identity of the landscapes of Tamil Nadu.

The project was funded by the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Sundram Fasteners Ltd. This highlights a corporate commitment to celebrating and protecting India's natural heritage. The manufacturing firm has contributed to a project that seeks to educate the public to foster environmental awareness, while recognizing that a documentary holds more than simple entertainment value.

The premiere at PVR Sathyam in Chennai was the film’s official launch to the public. The partnership between a corporate producer, an eminent film crew, and a state government department provides a model for future conservation related projects.

Wild Tamil Nadu is expected to be an important resource to educate the audience about the ecological treasures of the state. As the film hopes to show, informative stories and inspiration visuals can serve recharge our commitment to the fragile, irreplaceable habitat.

The documentary is illustrative of an enduring, deep attachment between the people of Tamil Nadu and their natural surroundings, as the film emphasizes ancient cultural knowledge continues to be intertwined in modern conservation efforts.