‘Elephant Whisperers’ makers served legal notice by mahout couple for not keeping up promises

Bomman and Bellie, the mahout couple who featured in the Oscar winning documentary, “Elephant Whisperers” have alleged that the makers of the film had promised them a hefty monetary compensation that would also take care of aspects related to their granddaughter’s education. They have said that along with this, they were promised a pucca house and a multi-utility vehicle that can traverse across varied terrains. 

The couple had tagged alongside Kartiki Gonsalves, the director of the film with the hope that these promises would be fulfilled but now, it is alleged she refuses to even pick up their calls, said Pravin Raj, a lawyer-cum-social activist who is close to the couple, in an interaction with PTI. 

They have served a legal notice to Shikhya Entertainment Private Limited, demanding Rs 2 crore as goodwill from the director’s side. 

Karthika Gonsalves has however refused any help stating that she has already provided them with money. 

Sikhya Entertainment Pvt Ltd had released a public statement to the PTI,“The goal in creating The Elephant Whisperers has always been to highlight elephant conservation, the tremendous efforts of the forest department and its mahouts Bomman and Bellie. Since its launch, the documentary has raised awareness of the cause and had a real impact on the mahouts and cavadis communities. Chief minister of Tamil Nadu M K Stalin has made donations towards assisting the 91 mahouts and cavadis who look after the state's elephants, constructing eco-friendly houses for the caretakers and developing an elephant camp in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.The documentary has been celebrated by heads of state across India, and the Academy Award is a moment of national pride that has brought widespread recognition for the work of mahouts like Bomman and Bellie. All claims made are untrue. We have deep respect for all of the contributors of this story, and remain driven by the desire to create positive change,” the statement read.