‘Enklena Pili — Our Tiger’ documentary on Tulunadu tiger dance released

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, September 30, 2026: ‘Enklena Pili — Our Tiger’, a cultural documentary exploring the traditional Hulivesha (tiger dance) of Tulunadu, was premiered on September 26 at Bharat Cinemas in the city.

Directed by young filmmaker Shritij Kamath and produced by his parents, Srikanth Kamath and Shreya Kamath, under the banner of TSK Films, the documentary explores the vibrant world of Hulivesha and the people who keep this extraordinary cultural heritage alive. Through its distinctive body painting, powerful rhythms, sacred rituals and the lives behind the stripes, the film celebrates a tradition that continues to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in the cultural identity of Tulunadu.

Mangaluru South MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath, veteran tiger dancer and troupe patron Bajilakerri Kanalaksha, actor Swaraj Shetty of Kantara fame, Shalet Pinto, Chairperson of the Karnataka Ecotourism Development Board, businessman Saju Neeliyara and Harsha Narasimhamurthy, founder of wildlife exploration start-up Catman Kronicles, were among the dignitaries present.

Addressing the gathering, MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath appreciated the young filmmaker’s effort to make an engaging film on the traditional tiger dance. Veteran tiger dancer Bajilakerri Kanalaksha said his tiger dance troupe was founded by his father nearly a century ago. He expressed the hope that he would once again be able to don the traditional paint and perform the dance when he turns 75, three years from now.

Grishma Melisha Saldanha anchored the programme.