Heavy Metal film to depict Kodaikanal mercury contamination

Abundantia Entertainment and Almighty Motion Picture have partnered to produce a new feature film titled ‘Heavy Metal’. The project is a corporate-environmental thriller based on Ameer Shahul’s investigative book, ‘Heavy Metal: How a Global Corporation Poisoned Kodaikanal’.

The film explores the mercury contamination controversy in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, involving a thermometer factory operated by Hindustan Unilever. The incident gained significant attention in 2001 following allegations of illegal toxic mercury waste disposal, leading to long-standing legal and social battles involving former workers, local residents, and environmental groups like Greenpeace.

Currently in pre-production with casting underway, the film aims to highlight the human impact of the tragedy and unsafe industrial practices. The creators have cited investigative dramas such as ‘Erin Brockovich’, ‘Dark Waters’, and ‘Chernobyl’ as stylistic inspirations.