Wildlife filmmaking is a window into the fascinating worlds we often overlook. Suhas Premkumar, an acclaimed filmmaker, takes us into the microcosmic universe of frogs and their habitats with his upcoming film Little Planet. This unique documentary not only showcases the beauty of amphibians but also highlights the interconnectedness of life on Earth. We sat down with Suhas to learn more about the making of Little Planet: A Tale of Frogs, his inspiration, challenges, and hopes for the film’s impact.
Check the Trailer Here:
The Vision Behind Little Planet
Q: What inspired you to create a film about frogs and wildlife?
Suhas: It’s WILDLIFE. When you talk to anyone and say “wildlife,” the first thing that comes to their mind is the megafauna like tigers, elephants, lions, leopards, etc. Very few, or none, even think about the small creatures that live right around us and play a very important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. A closer look reveals how beautiful and enigmatic these creatures are.
Q: Frogs are often overlooked in wildlife documentaries. Why did you choose them as the central focus of Little Planet?
Suhas: I took a huge risk and followed my heart and passion. 🙂 If not me, then who will do it? And this risk is nothing compared to the disturbance caused to them and their habitat—they are being pushed to extinction. This had to be done. Thanks to everyone who supported this dream.
The Making of Little Planet
Q: Wildlife filmmaking has its challenges. What were the most difficult aspects of capturing the life of frogs?
Suhas:
- They are tiny and very difficult to spot.
- They are extremely sensitive, making it tough to capture their natural behavior, as the slightest disturbance will make them stop whatever they are doing.
- They come out only during the monsoon (especially for their behavior and activity). Unforgiving weather was a great challenge—taking care of the team (they took care of me well too! :)), protecting the equipment from the rain, dealing with hundreds of leeches, and encountering snakes and insects.
- Patience—this was the most important trait for the whole team. Despite all the odds, we had to remain calm, composed, and patient. There were instances where the team sat in one place for 6–7 hours waiting for a frog to act, and we spent 2–3 days straight in one location. All part of the game, and we’d love to do it again soon!
Q: Can you tell us about the techniques or technology you used to bring these tiny creatures to life on screen?
Suhas: No high-fi stuff. Our mantra was KEEP IT SIMPLE. Since we were shooting in the wilderness, it was very important to understand the equipment (which we gradually learned on the field) and not overburden ourselves with excessive gear. But again, it was tricky. It wasn’t a scripted shoot or one with a storyboard—we had to be ready to capture the unexpected. We used 4K cameras and supporting lenses. The essentials included umbrellas, rain jackets and pants, gumboots, head torches, and water bottles—not a single minute in the field without them!
Q: Did any particular frog species or behavior surprise you during the making of this film?
Suhas: Yes, many in fact. We’re revealing them in the film, with the premiere on March 2, 2025, in Bengaluru.
A Message for the World
Q: How does Little Planet connect with larger environmental concerns?
Suhas: The world does not belong only to humans. We must, on a very serious note, let others live so that we can continue living. This means embracing sustainability and coexistence. If we examine the development of the past 150 years, we can see the path the planet is heading toward.
Q: If there’s one message you hope Little Planet leaves with its audience, what would it be?
Suhas: FROGS ARE AMAZING. How did we miss them for so long? Let’s conserve.
Personal Reflections
Q: As a filmmaker, how has working on Little Planet changed your perspective on nature?
Suhas: My perspective hasn’t changed—it has deepened, becoming more deeply rooted with greater conviction.
Q: Can you share a personal story or interaction with frogs that deeply resonated with you during production?
Suhas: There are many. On a humorous note:
- While shooting dancing frogs, some male frogs thought my tripod leg was a great place to sit and start calling.
- While packing up, we found a Malabar pit viper happily sitting inside our kit bag.
- Gliding frogs landed on my head torch after gliding from treetops.
With frogs, they’re truly special—very special! We spent hours observing one individual, walked 20 kilometers to find a single frog, and waited years to capture a specific behavior. This project began out of love for frogs, and over the years of making this film, it has become a deep relationship for me and my team. It’s hard to wait to see them again.
On a deeper level, this journey has shown me again and again that nature is everything for all that inhabits this Earth. All organisms together form what we call Nature. Sadly, we’re moving far away from it.
Looking Ahead
Q: Do you have plans to continue exploring wildlife themes in your upcoming projects?
Suhas: This is just the beginning. Our team is ready and waiting! 😀
Q: How can audiences take action to support wildlife and the ecosystems highlighted in Little Planet?
Suhas:
- Stop mindless tourism.
- Keep trash in bins—don’t throw it from vehicles or in forest areas.
- Respect all wildlife, regardless of size—they are doing a great service to keep us alive.
- Educate and spread awareness.
- Don’t be scared—there are no poisonous frogs in India.
- Report any illegal wildlife activity to the authorities.
- Coexist!
About the Film
Little Planet is not just a documentary—it’s a call to action. Through breathtaking visuals and compelling storytelling, Suhas Premkumar invites viewers to explore the hidden wonders of frogs and their habitats. The film is a testament to the beauty and fragility of life on Earth, urging us all to play a part in its preservation.
Explore More
Follow Suhas Premkumar’s journey and get updates on Little Planet through our platform. Let’s celebrate and protect the incredible biodiversity that makes our planet so unique.
Congratulations Bro