Leopard Dynasty: The Rise of Rana, a new documentary series, offers a unique glimpse into the life of a leopard and her cubs in Rajasthan, India. Co-produced by Terra Mater Studios, Bambee studios, and Ouragan Films Production, with the participation of ARTE GEIE, the series distinguishes itself by adopting a distinctly Indian perspective, infused with the stylistic flair of Bollywood.
Rana drinking water from a man-made waterhole at Jhalana forest. | Photo Credit: Terra Mater Studios GmbH
A Bollywood-Inspired Wildlife Documentary
Director Aishwarya Sharma intentionally incorporated elements reminiscent of Bollywood cinema – including dramatic music, fight sequences, and even “item numbers” – into the documentary.”I have grown up watching Bollywood,and it is a style of cinema I really enjoy,” Sharma explains. “You don’t see too many big cat stories from India with an Indian gaze; you normally see it through the Western gaze. I wanted to stay true to my roots, but also blend the authenticity of the wild in the film.”
Balancing Entertainment and conservation
Sharma acknowledges the potential pitfalls of anthropomorphizing wild animals,but believes that engaging storytelling is crucial for driving conservation efforts. In a media landscape saturated with content, entertainment is key to capturing audience attention and fostering a connection with wildlife. “Of course, you have to stay true to wild instincts and behavior, but I personally feel that when you make characters out of animals, people across age groups end up relating to a story,” she says. “I wont to make people connect to and fall in love with wildlife.”
Where to Watch
Leopard Dynasty: The Rise of Rana is currently screening on Animal Planet and discovery+.
Published – January 29, 2026 06:19 pm IST
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