Tue, 21-Oct-2025

Elephant Whisperer Bomman Backtracks on Notice

Elephant Whisperer
  • Bomman and Bellie, are prominently featured in the acclaimed documentary “The Elephant Whisperers”.
  • Initially seeking Rs 2 crore in a goodwill gesture from Kartiki Gonsalves, the Oscar-winning.
  • However, a recent twist in the story sees Bomman retracting his allegations.

Renowned indigenous duo Bomman and Bellie, prominently featured in the acclaimed documentary “The Elephant Whisperers,” have gained attention due to a legal notice sent to the creators of the film, accusing them of financial exploitation. Initially seeking Rs 2 crore in a goodwill gesture from Kartiki Gonsalves, the Oscar-winning director behind the project, the couple has now reversed their stance.

Initially, the mahout couple had claimed that despite being showcased as the “true heroes” of the film, they were denied the promised rewards, including a house, vehicle, and monetary compensation. However, a recent twist in the story sees Bomman retracting his allegations. He now denies any involvement in sending the legal notice and disavows knowledge of its origin. Bomman stated, “I don’t know who sent the legal notice or the advocate. I don’t have any pieces of evidence. Kartiki spoke to me well and said that she’d help me.” He also indicated a shift from pursuing the legal route, as he shared, “They have promised to help me and given this job.”

 

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A post shared by Kartiki Gonsalves (@kartikigonsalves)

The previous narrative depicted Gonsalves promising the couple financial assistance and support for Bellie’s granddaughter’s education. Allegedly, these commitments went unfulfilled, leading to disappointment and strained communication between the parties.

Gonsalves and Sikhya Entertainment, the production company, responded to the allegations by emphasizing the documentary’s intent to raise awareness about elephant conservation and the commendable efforts of the Forest Department and mahouts like Bomman and Bellie. They acknowledged the documentary’s positive impact on the community and expressed deep respect for all contributors. The filmmakers denied the exploitation claims, affirming their dedication to driving positive change through their work.

As the situation takes unexpected turns, the story of “The Elephant Whisperers” continues to evolve, shedding light on the complexities of filmmaking and the relationships formed during its creation.

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Bellie and Bomman Seek Rs 2 Crore: Director Faces Legal Action

Bellie and Bomman
  • The couple is seeking a goodwill gesture of Rs 2 crore, claiming they were promised a home.
  • Instead, all the monetary benefits were claimed by the filmmaker from the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and the Prime Minister of India.
  • The couple has refrained from commenting on the case directly, urging reporters to seek further details.

In a shocking turn of events, Bomman and Bellie, the renowned tribal couple featured in the Oscar-winning documentary “The Elephant Whisperers,” have sent a legal notice to director Kartiki Gonsalves, alleging financial exploitation and neglect. The couple is seeking a goodwill gesture of Rs 2 crore, claiming they were promised a home, a vehicle, and financial compensation based on the project’s income.

According to the legal notice acquired by PTI, Bomman, and Bellie were introduced as the true heroes of the documentary to esteemed personalities, including celebrities, sportspersons, and political leaders, which boosted their recognition for their work. However, despite their significant contributions to the film’s success, the couple alleges that they never received any financial compensation. Instead, all the monetary benefits were claimed by the filmmaker from the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and the Prime Minister of India.

The couple has refrained from commenting on the case directly, urging reporters to seek further details from their legal representatives. They sought assistance from Chennai-based lawyer and social activist, Pravin Raj, who connected them with a law firm in Chennai to pursue their case.

Reportedly, Bomman and Bellie are deeply disappointed with Kartiki Gonsalves, who had initially promised them financial aid and support for Bellie’s granddaughter’s education during the filmmaking process. However, as per their allegations, Gonsalves is now refusing to share any portion of the documentary’s considerable profits. The couple had faithfully followed Gonsalves’ instructions, hoping for mutual prosperity as the film achieved success, but they claim that Gonsalves has been avoiding their attempts to reach out.

In response to the legal notice, Kartiki Gonsalves and Sikhya Entertainment, the production company behind “The Elephant Whisperers,” released a statement defending their actions. They stated that the primary objective of the documentary was to spotlight elephant conservation and the remarkable efforts of the Forest Department and its mahouts, Bomman and Bellie. The filmmakers asserted that the documentary had significantly raised awareness for the cause and garnered donations from Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister for the welfare of 91 mahouts and Cavadis, who care for the state’s elephants.

Moreover, the film’s makers emphasized that the documentary had received acclaim from heads of state across India, and the Academy Award it won was a moment of national pride, shining a spotlight on the mahouts’ vital work. In conclusion, they refuted all allegations made by Bomman and Bellie, expressing deep respect for all contributors to the documentary and reaffirming their commitment to bringing about positive change.

The legal battle between the elephant-whispering couple and the director has garnered significant attention, with the entire film community and the public watching closely to see how this controversy unfolds.

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Bomman and Belli of The Elephant Whisperers eventually pose with the Oscar

Bomman and Belli
  • Couple Bomman and Belli, who were seen as elephant caretakers in the documentary The Elephant Whisperers.
  • Taking to Instagram on Thursday, The Elephant Whisperers director Kartiki Gonsalves shared a photo featuring the duo.
  • Both of them held the award while posing for the camera.

As they posed with the Oscars trophy, the couple Bomman and Belli, who played elephant caretakers in the documentary The Elephant Whisperers, were beaming with happiness. Kartiki Gonsalves, the director of The Elephant Whisperers, posted a picture of the duo on Instagram on Thursday. While posing for the camera, they were both holding the award.

“It’s been a long four months since we’ve been apart and now I feel like I’m home….. @theelephantwhisperers,” Kartiki wrote alongside the image. Vishal Dadlani made a comment in response to the image, “Easily my favourite #Oscars picture ever (clapping emojis).” Esha Gupta posted red heart emoticons while Niharika Konidela dropped face keeping down tears emoticons. “I love their smiles,” Mini Mathur said. Embraces and more embraces.” “Oh my god,” wrote Aahana Kumra.
“Good to see @kartikigonsalves turn the spotlight on those who deserve to shine brightest in this moment,” a supporter wrote. Kartiki, that’s what makes you such an amazing storyteller! I hope that this is only the beginning for you. “Was waiting to see the Oscar in their hands!” was one comment. “Was hoping this would happen,” one person stated. I’m grateful that you finally gave it to these lovely people.” An Instagram user commented, “I think now we need a photo of the Oscar with Raghu and Ammu.”

 

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A post shared by Kartiki Gonsalves (@kartikigonsalves)

The care Belli and her husband Bomman gave to abandoned baby elephants at the government-run Theppakkadu Elephant Camp in the Nilgiris District was depicted in The Elephant Whisperers. The short film was about Raghu and Ammu, two elephant calves, and Belli and Bomman’s close relationship with them.
At the 95th Academy Awards, The Elephant Whisperers became the first Indian film to win in the Documentary Short Subject category, making history. M K Stalin, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, honored Bomman and Belli on March 15 by presenting them with cheques for Rs. 1 lakh each, a shield, and shawls.

Kartiki received a check for one crore rupees from M K Stalin recently. He gave her a souvenir, shawl, and certificate of commendation at the Secretariat, as well as a one-crore incentive check. He wished her well for winning the Oscar.

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Vivek Agnihotri congratulates Team RRR and The Elephant Whisperers

Vivek Agnihotri

Vivek Agnihotri responded to India’s historic victory. He expressed his congratulations on Twitter to the RRR team. RRR’s song receives a nomination in the Best Song category. Vivek Agnihotri, a filmmaker, responded to India’s historic victory at the 95th Academy Awards. He expressed his congratulations on Twitter to the RRR team, which included director SS … Read more

Shah Rukh Khan congratulates RRR & The Elephant Whisperers for big win at Oscars 2023

Shah Rukh Khan
  • Shah Rukh Khan congratulated RRR and The Elephant Whisperers.
  • Naatu Naatu by Ram Charan and Jr. NTR won Best Original Song.
  • The Elephant Whisperers won The Best Documentary Short Film.

Shah Rukh Khan, who is currently basking in the glory of his new and popular movie Pathaan, was spotted congratulating RRR and The Elephant Whisperers on their enormous wins at the 95th Academy Awards. On Monday afternoon, the celebrity thanked the champions for their historic victory on Twitter. During the Oscars in 2023, the song Naatu Naatu by Ram Charan and Jr. NTR won Best Original Song, and The Elephant Whisperers won Best Documentary Short Film.

SRK referred to both projects as “very motivating” in a tweet. MM Keeravani, Chandrabose, Jr. NTR, Ram Charan, SS Rajamouli, and Guneet Monga received his congratulations for bringing honour to the nation by winning the Oscars. Shah Rukh wrote in a tweet, “Big hug to @guneetm & @EarthSpectrum for Elephant Whisperers. And @mmkeeravaani #ChandraBose ji @ssrajamouli @AlwaysRamCharan @tarak9999 thank u for showing us all, the way to do it. Both Oscars truly inspirational!!”

Other famous people were spotted sending their well wishes to both teams, including Hrithik Roshan, Anushka Sharma, Varun Dhawan, Vicky Kaushal, Priyanka Chopra, Karan Johar, Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Sidharth Malhotra, Kiara Advani, and Neha Dhupia. Also spotted praising the crew for making history was Indian Prime Narendra Modi. Even ordinary Internet users have flooded social media with congratulations.

King Khan will next be seen in Jawan after Pathaan. Sanya Malhotra, Sunil Grover, and Nayanthara are also featured in the Atlee-directed film. In June of this year, the movie is scheduled for release. Next, he is also working for Dunki, a film with Taapsee Pannu. The December 2023 release of the Rajkumar Hirani film. SRK’s followers are anxiously anticipating both movies after seeing him in Pathaan on the big screen.

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Guneet Monga’s The Elephant Whisperers is nominated for the Oscars

Guneet Monga

The Elephant Whisperer is up for Best Documentary at the 2023 Oscars. She is now a changemaker because of this. It is about the co-existence between humans and animals. By supporting The Elephant Whisperer, which is up for Best Documentary Short at the 2023 Oscars, Guneet Monga has helped put India on the international film … Read more

Priyanka Chopra reviewed filmmaker Guneet Monga’s documentary 

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka published a poster for the movie on her Instagram Stories. She tagged the documentary crew in an additional post. She wrote a trunk filled with emotions. The Elephant Whisperers, a documentary by Guneet Monga that received an Oscar 2023 nomination, was reviewed by actor Priyanka Chopra. On Tuesday, Priyanka published a poster for the … Read more