Shocking Controversy On ‘The Elephant Whispers’

The tribal couple, Bomman and Belli, who played pivotal roles in the Oscar-winning documentary “The Elephant Whisperers,” have come forward with grave accusations against the filmmakers. In a recent interview, the couple alleged that they had not received any remuneration and have been ignored by the documentary’s creators since its historic Oscar win earlier this year.

Subsequently, Bomman and Belli have issued a legal notice to the filmmaker seeking a “goodwill gesture” amounting to Rs 2 crore (approximately $267,000) as compensation. The legal notice contends that they were promised a proper house, an all-terrain multi-purpose vehicle, and adequate financial support based on the income generated from the project.

According to the couple, they were introduced as “the real heroes” to prominent individuals, celebrities, sports personalities, and political leaders, garnering significant publicity. However, they alleged that the filmmaker reaped all the financial benefits, receiving donations from the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and the Prime Minister of India without adequately compensating them.

During a candid YouTube interview, the couple disclosed that they had utilized a significant portion of their savings to finance a wedding sequence that director Kartiki Gonsalves wanted to include in the film. They claimed that Kartiki had assured them of reimbursement, but the money was not returned as promised.

Additionally, the couple stated that after the movie’s Oscar win, Kartiki’s demeanor toward them drastically changed, and she stopped responding to their attempts to contact her.

In response to the allegations, the production house Sikhya Entertainment and director Kartiki Gonsalves have released a statement denying the claims.

The makers stated that their goal has always been to raise awareness about elephant conservation and commend the efforts of the Forest Department and the mahouts like Bomman and Belli. They highlighted the positive impact the documentary has had on the community and the contributions made by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister toward supporting the caretakers of the state’s elephants.

Despite the response from the filmmakers, the allegations have sparked controversy and raised concerns about the treatment of the couple involved in the award-winning documentary. As the situation unfolds, the film industry and the public will watch the developments to ensure justice and fairness for all involved parties.