July 30: Warner Bros. Discovery has announced the launch of India: Epic Wild Stories, a documentary anthology on Animal Planet that celebrates the country's extraordinary biodiversity through the lens of acclaimed Indian filmmakers. Launching in July, the series will feature monthly premieres, as it spans diverse ecosystems across the country offering audiences a deeper understanding of India's natural world and the people working to protect it.
Known for its premium factual storytelling, Animal Planet brings cinematic, research-backed narratives that go beyond spectacle and foster deeper connections with the natural world. Through authentic stories from the field, the brand inspires curiosity and conservation while bringing audiences closer to the people, places and wildlife that make these stories extraordinary.
The anthology opens with a six-part documentary series, Shared Spaces, that journeys across India's forests, mountains, coastlines and grasslands to uncover the evolving relationship between people and wildlife. Hosted by award winning environmental journalist Bahar Dutt and filmed by Emmy-nominated wildlife filmmaker and four times National Award-winning cinematographer, photographer, and conservationist Vijay Bedi, the series offers an intimate look at the communities, conservationists and species navigating a rapidly changing world. Through powerful stories of conflict, coexistence and hope, Shared Spaces reveals how people and wildlife are learning to adapt, survive and thrive alongside one another in an increasingly shared landscape.
Following Shared Spaces, the anthology features four other documentaries by acclaimed Indian wildlife filmmakers, each offering a unique perspective on the country's diverse landscapes and wildlife. Wild Kashmir sees internationally acclaimed wildlife filmmaker and television host Malaika Vaz journey into the pristine wilderness of Dachigam National Park to uncover one of the Himalayas' most remarkable ecosystems. In My Otter Diary, award-winning filmmaker Sugandhi Gadadhar chronicles the lives of smooth-coated otters along the Cauvery River and their delicate coexistence with local communities. Turtle Walker, by Taira Malaney, pays tribute to legendary conservationist Satish Bhaskar and his lifelong mission to protect India's sea turtles.
Speaking on the launch of the series, Sai Abishek, Head of Factual Entertainment, Lifestyle & Kids, South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery said, "India's natural history is as rich and layered as its cultural heritage, yet many of these stories remain underrepresented in mainstream entertainment. With India: Epic Wild Stories, we wanted to curate a destination that brings together some of the most exceptional wildlife films by Indian filmmakers, each offering a deeply local perspective on the country's landscapes, species and conservation journeys. It reflects Animal Planet's continued commitment to championing premium factual storytelling that informs, inspires and fosters a stronger connection with the world around us."
With India: Epic Wild Stories, Animal Planet reinforces its commitment to expanding India's premium factual storytelling landscape by championing original documentaries that amplify local voices, celebrate authentic filmmaking and showcase stories with the power to resonate far beyond the natural world.
