“The Elephant Whisperers” recently won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film, making it the first Indian film to win an award in that category at the Oscars. This 40-minute documentary tells the story of Bomman and Bellie, a family brought together by an orphaned baby elephant named Raghu.
As the film begins, sounds of birds chirping and rivers flowing echo,while luscious trees and spirited wildlife fill the screen. The camera cuts to Bomman, one of Raghu’s caregivers. “I am Kattunayakan,” he says, “mean[ing] kings of the forest.” Both belonging to the Kattunayakan tribe, Bomman and Bellie dedicate their lives to caring for the forest. “My grandfather and father looked after elephants,” Bomman continues, “and I became an elephant caregiver the day my father died.” The couple lives in the heart of the Theppakadu Elephant camp, located in the Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu, India. Established around 140 years ago, this is one of the oldest elephant camps in Asia. The Kattunayakan tribe preaches the importance of conservation and giving back. “For us, the well-being of the forest is all that matters,” Bellie says. “We live off the forest, but we also protect it. We don’t take anything more than necessary.” Their only goal is to repay the environment for what it gives them as their ancestors once did and to pass this idea onto future generations.
Raghu was first found in rough conditions. After being viciously attacked by stray dogs, his tail was bitten off and his open wound was infested with maggots. The scorching heat and prolonged lack of rain caused by the blistering summer sun led his herd to abandon him in search of food and water. Upon his arrival at the camp, much of the tribe believed he would not survive. “But,” Bellie contradicts, “I had full faith that he would [survive], and cherish a good life.” And so he did—after much effort and perseverance from his caregivers, Raghu was eventually restored to good health and thriving.
Bomman and Bellie care for Raghu like their own son. They feed him, play with him, and talk to him just like a human adult would with their child. Bellie shared that following the recent death of her daughter, Raghu was always supportive of her and he showed his affection in his own unique ways. She revealed that he would wipe her tears with his trunk when she cried, a comforting gesture that made her believe he truly understood everything. She said that taking care of Raghu reminded her of her daughter. Bomman had some childlike experiences with Raghu to share as well. Apart from clips of Raghu running around and playing soccer, the film also includes a scene of the baby elephant acting like a stereotypical picky human baby, refusing to eat certain parts of his meal and spitting it back at Bomman’s feet. “Naughty boy!” Bomman playfully scolds.
Throughout the film, the passage of time is shown by the changing seasons. As the fiery heat finally dies into cool rains, the bond between Raghu and his caregivers strengthens, along with the bond between Bomman and Bellie. Caring for Raghu is what brought the pair together, and their connection is what kept him alive. The documentary emphasizes the importance of relationships and demonstrates how successful a relationship between man and animal can be. “We have become a family around Raghu,” Bellie says.
When the summer blaze returns, a new addition has been made to the family. The couple was assigned another elephant; this time a vibrant baby calf named Ammu. She quickly assimilates into the family, and just like that, three has now become four. However, the four do not last long together. It is clear that elephants are intelligent and emotional creatures, as proven by Ammu’s reaction when Raghu is assigned to a new caregiver. She howls when he is taken away, and she wipes Bellie’s tears and wraps her trunk around Bomman’s arm to comfort them. The whole family was deeply affected by this change—none of them were able to eat or drink properly in the following days. Their bond with Raghu was so strong that it overpowered almost everything else.
Aside from the storyline, the cinematography and message of the documentary are what differentiate it from other films. The visuals allow for an immersive experience; it feels as though you are actually in the forest following along with their story. The way the cameras manage to achieve this while not disrupting the surrounding nature and wildlife is impressive, and the mix of natural sounds and music in the background are very fitting to each scene. What might seem like a lighthearted, family story from the outside holds a deeper meaning at heart. Elephants are officially classified as an endangered species, and with not many left, it is important to do what we can to give back to them and the environment. The film shows how strong the connection between man and nature is. Overall, every element of “The Elephant Whisperers” was deserving of the Oscar it received.
The film ends on a positive note, stating that Bomman and Bellie are the first couple to successfully raise two orphaned elephants in South India.
Written by Sahana Thyagarajan of Whitman High School
Photo courtesy of IMDb