National Geographic India is set to mark World Environment Day on June 5 with the premiere of ‘Nilgiris: A Shared Wilderness’, a feature-length wildlife documentary by acclaimed filmmaker and National Geographic Fellow Sandesh Kadur.

The documentary will air on June 5 at 12 noon and 9 pm on National Geographic India, bringing audiences an intimate look at one of the country’s most ecologically significant landscapes.

Set entirely within the UNESCO-recognised Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the film explores the delicate balance between people, wildlife, and nature in the Blue Mountains of southern India. Rather than portraying human settlements and wilderness as opposing forces, ‘Nilgiris: A Shared Wilderness’ highlights how communities and wildlife have coexisted across the region for generations.

The documentary follows the rhythms of life across tea estates, ancient shola forests, railway routes, and towns that lie alongside wildlife corridors. It captures the resilience of species adapting to fragmented habitats while showcasing the unique relationship between local communities and the natural environment.

Speaking about the project, Sandesh Kadur said the Nilgiris have remained a source of inspiration throughout his filmmaking journey. He noted that years of patient observation allowed him to witness remarkable moments of coexistence, from leopards moving through tea estates at dawn to gaur wandering through towns as part of everyday life.

According to Kadur, the documentary aims to help audiences experience the beauty, complexity, and fragility of this shared wilderness.

The film is backed by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, with Nilekani serving as executive producer. She described the Nilgiris as a landscape where forests, wildlife, and human communities exist in a remarkable balance.

Alok Jain, Head of Hindi and English Entertainment Business (Streaming, TV & Studios) at JioStar, said the documentary reflects National Geographic India’s commitment to meaningful storytelling. He added that the film presents a nuanced portrait of the evolving relationship between people and nature while encouraging viewers to engage with the natural world through empathy and understanding.

Adding to its credentials, ‘Nilgiris: A Shared Wilderness’ recently won the Best Sound award at the 2025 Jackson Wild Media Awards, one of the most prestigious honours in nature and science filmmaking.