""Gods in Shackles" is a multi-award winning documentary that hopes to do for elephants what the 2013 documentary "Blackfish" did for killer whales. Prodcuer and director Sangita Iyer tells us more about her film. WARNING: some images may be disturbing to viewers.

Captive elephants are exploited for profit in the name of culture and religion. Their abhorrent treatment and poor welfare conditions are decimating Kerala's captive elephants with their numbers declined substantially from 702 in 2010 to 360 as of 2013. India's heritage animal - the embodiment Lord Ganesh - needs to be treated with so much more reverence, honor and respect.

It was a 'trunk' call for Kerala legislators. 'Gods in Shackles', directed by Canada-based Keralite Sangita Iyer, is an award winning documentary on how elephants are abused in the name of temple festivals in Kerala. On Wednesday, it was screened in India for the first time in the Kerala Legislative Assembly complex, on the suggestion of the Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan.

Through my sojourns during my recent visit to Kerala, Lakshmi -- the most gorgeous 25-year-old female Asian elephant -- left an indelible impression. It was love at first sight the moment I stepped into her sphere of captivity. Lakshmi captured my heart and soul with her intense brown eyes, grace, and pious, but most importantly by opening her heart and showering me with unconditional love.

Sangita Iyer gives voice to the temple elephants on ROGERS TV's most popular show "Daytime Toronto" The Film Director was recently interviewed about her film For the Love of Elephants on the community show that draws tens of thousands of people. Our deepest gratitude to ROGERS TV for their support of our work and providing us with a copy of the interview.

Dr. Raman Sukumar, a world-renowned elephant scientist explains why captive elephants deserve proper foot care. During festivities these brilliant animals are made to walk on melting tar roads in the scorching sun, which is not conducive for elephants. Besides, since the four legs carry their massive body weight having them tethered in captivity 24/7 doesn't provide the opportunity to exercise. In the wild elephants wander around freely for 16-18 hours and get proper exercise.