CHENNAI (India CSR): The Sundram Fasteners Ltd.-produced ‘Wild Tamil Nadu’ was premiered on 16th October 2025 at PVR Sathyam in Chennai.
Directed by Kalyan Varma, Nature inFocus and supported by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, this ground-breaking wildlife documentary captures the stunning ecological richness of the State and aims to foster a sense of pride and a stronger dedication to conservation in its audience.
Wild Tamil Nadu is a stunning new natural history documentary that unveils the remarkable biodiversity of Tamil Nadu—where rainforests, coral reefs, and arid deserts converge to form one of the most unique ecological landscapes on Earth. Throughout the documentary, viewers will traverse Tamil Nadu’s most breath-taking terrains, encounter an incredible array of wildlife, and discover captivating tales of animal behaviour that have never been captured on camera before.
Drawing inspiration from ancient Sangam literature, Wild Tamil Nadu journeys through the region by highlighting its five classical landscapes—Kurinji (mountains), Mullai (forests), Marutham (croplands), Neithal (coasts), and Palai (arid zones). These poetic categories, penned over 4,500 years ago, continue to resonate today as timeless reflections of Tamil Nadu’s rich ecological tapestry.
This documentary traverses’ vibrant ecosystems teeming with life—from iconic giants like elephants and leopards to lesser-known marvels such as fireflies, lion-tailed macaques, and the elusive Madras hedgehog. Interweaving natural history with untold tales from the wild, it paints a vivid picture of biodiversity and harmonious coexistence in India’s southernmost state.
Produced by Sundram Fasteners Limited and directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Kalyan Varma, Wild Tamil Nadu is a one-hour cinematic journey into a land where nature’s dramatic contrasts converge and age-old cultural wisdom continues to guide the bond between humans and the wild. The film was crafted over four years, with a dedicated team of cameramen from South India capturing its diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes.
The documentary’s soundtrack, composed by three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej, infuses Carnatic traditions with orchestral arrangements to amplify the voices of these landscapes while narration by renowned actor Arvind Swamy brings the story to life.
“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,” said Ms Arathi Krishna, Managing Director, Sundram Fasteners Ltd.
“Kalyan Varma called the project “one of the most significant of my career,” 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.”
Ricky Kej says “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.”
The documentary was premiered on 16th October 2025 at PVR Sathyam Royapettah, Chennai.
Directed: Kalyan Varma
Producer: Arathi Krishna, Sundram Fasteners Ltd
Original Music: Ricky Kej
Narrator: Arvind Swamy
Co-director & Editor: Akhilesh Tambe
Executive Producer: Rohit Varma
This film was produced through the CSR initiative of Sundram Fasteners Ltd., in collaboration with Nature InFocus and with the support of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.
(India CSR)
