Anand Mahindra's next watchlist pick is a movie that reminds him of his Ooty school days

Anand Mahindra has found his next must-watch — and it’s more than just a film for him. The Mahindra Group chairman says the documentary Nilgiris: A Shared Wilderness is at the top of his list, not only for its stunning portrayal of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and its urgent conservation message, but also because it stirs memories of his own school days in Ooty. For him, it’s a chance to revisit the breathtaking beauty that shaped his childhood.

Directed by acclaimed wildlife filmmaker Sandesh Kadur, the documentary takes viewers deep into the Nilgiris — one of the oldest mountain ranges in India, located at the meeting point of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. This unique ecosystem, part of the Western Ghats, is home to rolling grasslands, dense sholas, gushing waterfalls, sparkling lakes, and an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna.



Ooty, Coonoor, and Kotagiri — the three hill stations of this district — have long drawn visitors with their tea plantations, mist-covered peaks, and serene charm. Once a favourite escape for Europeans during colonial times, the Nilgiris still captivate with magical sunsets, pollution-free skies, and the seasonal violet bloom of the rare kurinji flowers.

Internet reacts

One user shared that the Nilgiris have always been their favourite and that visiting Ooty for relaxation and to enjoy its natural beauty is a must. Another commented that it looks like a must-watch and praised efforts to celebrate and preserve the Nilgiris. Someone else emphasised that forests should be kept isolated, with no human interference, to help them thrive naturally.