ANIMALS IN CINEMA: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE AGES

Cinema has always been a medium that brings diverse stories to life. Among its most captivating elements are animals, whose roles range from faithful companions to symbols of nature’s untamed beauty. From Bollywood classics like Haathi Mere Saathi and Teri Meherbaniyan to Hollywood epics such as Life of Pi and The Jungle Book, animals have consistently left an indelible mark on audiences. This article explores how animals have been portrayed in films, their cultural significance, and the ethical implications of their inclusion.

By Vedika Singh

Story: The Golden Era of Bollywood: Animals as Stars

In Bollywood, animals were often used to amplify the emotional resonance of a story. The 1971 blockbuster Haathi Mere Saathi remains a standout example. The film tells the story of Raju, an orphan who grows up with four elephants that become his family. As the plot unfolds, the elephants emerge as characters with their own emotions and loyalties, creating a heartwarming narrative about love, sacrifice, and the bond between humans and animals.

The cultural impact of Haathi Mere Saathi was immense. It humanized elephants in the eyes of its audience, showcasing their intelligence and emotional depth. At a time when wildlife conservation was not widely discussed, the film played a pioneering role in fostering empathy for animals. However, behind the scenes, the use of live elephants raises ethical concerns. Animal welfare standards in the 1970s were rudimentary at best, and the treatment of the elephants during filming has been questioned. While the movie succeeded in highlighting the importance of coexistence, it also serves as a reminder of the responsibility filmmakers have toward the animals they feature.

Another iconic Bollywood film, Teri Meherbaniyan (1985), placed a dog at the center of its narrative. The story follows Moti, a loyal dog, who avenges the death of his owner. This unusual narrative structure, where an animal drives the plot, struck a chord with audiences. Moti was not just a pet; he was a hero, embodying values of loyalty, love, and justice.

Hollywood’s Relationship with Animals: From Real to CGI

Hollywood has also featured animals prominently, but its approach has evolved significantly over the years. Films like Free Willy (1993) and Babe (1995) used live animals to create heartwarming stories, while modern productions like Life of Pi (2012) and The Jungle Book (2016) have shifted toward using CGI, blending realism with ethical considerations.

Life of Pi, directed by Ang Lee, is a cinematic masterpiece that explores the bond between a shipwrecked boy and a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. The tiger, brought to life through groundbreaking CGI, became a symbol of the primal struggle for survival. The film’s visuals were so convincing that many viewers believed a real tiger had been used.

The ethical triumph of Life of Pi lies in its use of technology. By relying on CGI, the filmmakers avoided the risks associated with using live animals, setting a benchmark for the industry. However, the film was not immune to criticism. Some animal rights activists argued that even the limited use of a real tiger in reference scenes was unnecessary. Moreover, while the tiger’s behavior was dramatized for narrative purposes, this artistic license sometimes clashed with biological accuracy.

In The Jungle Book (2016), Disney pushed the boundaries of CGI further. The film brought iconic characters like Baloo, Bagheera, and Shere Khan to life in a hyper-realistic jungle setting. Unlike its animated predecessor, the live-action adaptation emphasized the raw power and majesty of its animal characters.

The use of CGI in The Jungle Book ensured that no real animals were exploited, making it a milestone in ethical filmmaking. However, critics noted that the hyper-realism sometimes made the animals seem less expressive, reducing their emotional connection with the audience.

Cultural Differences in Animal Portrayals

The portrayal of animals in Bollywood and Hollywood reflects cultural differences in storytelling. Bollywood often uses animals to evoke emotional depth and familial bonds. Elephants, dogs, and even snakes have been portrayed as protectors, symbols of devotion, and avengers. Films like Naag Panchami and Nagin tapped into Indian mythology, where animals are revered and hold spiritual significance.

Hollywood, on the other hand, frequently explores themes of wilderness and survival. Films like The Revenant (2015) and Call of the Wild (2020) portray animals as part of nature’s untamed beauty, often reflecting the struggles of the human characters. These films tend to emphasize realism, whether through CGI or meticulous animal training.

Ethical Concerns and Changing Standards

The treatment of animals in films has been a subject of debate for decades. In the early days of cinema, animals were often treated as mere props, with little regard for their welfare. High-profile incidents, such as the deaths of horses during the filming of Westerns in Hollywood’s Golden Age, spurred the creation of guidelines for animal safety.

Bollywood has faced its share of controversies as well. Reports of mistreatment of animals on sets have occasionally surfaced, prompting criticism from animal rights organizations. However, recent years have seen a shift toward greater accountability. The Animal Welfare Board of India now monitors the use of animals in films, ensuring compliance with ethical standards.

Hollywood has similarly adopted stricter regulations, with organizations like the American Humane Association overseeing animal welfare on sets. The rise of CGI has further reduced the need for live animals, offering a humane alternative that still captivates audiences.

The Future of Animals in Cinema

As technology continues to evolve, the role of animals in cinema is poised for transformation. Advances in CGI and motion-capture technology have made it possible to create lifelike animal characters without involving real animals. Films like The Lion King (2019) showcase the potential of these technologies to deliver stunning visuals while maintaining ethical integrity.

Despite these advancements, the emotional connection audiences feel toward real animals remains unparalleled. Balancing authenticity with ethical considerations will continue to be a challenge for filmmakers. The growing emphasis on animal welfare and the increasing use of CGI suggest that the industry is moving in the right direction.

Bollywood and Its Love Affair with Animals: A Journey Through 20 Iconic Films

Bollywood has always embraced animals as an integral part of its storytelling. From loyal companions and protectors to mystical beings and plot-driving heroes, animals have been used to evoke a wide spectrum of emotions. Over the years, they have brought humor, drama, and even suspense to countless films. Here’s a look at 20 Bollywood movies that prominently feature animals, along with interesting facts and the impact these films have had.

Fascinating Facts About Animals in Bollywood

1. Elephants in Haathi Mere Saathi: The elephants in Haathi Mere Saathi were trained for over a year to perform specific stunts and expressions. The emotional climax, where one of the elephants sacrifices itself, left audiences in tears and is remembered as one of the most moving moments in Bollywood history.
2. The Dog in Teri Meherbaniyan: The dog playing Moti became so popular that audiences treated him as the true hero of the film. After the movie’s release, the dog received fan mail, and some reports even claimed he was given a special posthumous award by animal rights groups.
3. Tuffy from Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!: Tuffy the Pomeranian was originally a pet dog of one of the film’s crew members. After the movie’s release, Tuffy’s popularity skyrocketed, and breeders reported an increase in demand for Pomeranians across India.
4. The Parrot in Mr. India: The parrot, Talkie, added comedic flair to the action-packed Mr. India. Interestingly, the parrot’s “dialogues” were dubbed by a voice artist who made subtle modifications to create unique, amusing sounds that fit the character perfectly.
5. Tigers in Kaal: The scenes featuring tigers were filmed in Jim Corbett National Park with the assistance of wildlife experts. The filmmakers worked closely with the park authorities to ensure the animals were not disturbed, making it one of Bollywood’s earliest eco-conscious productions.
6. Pigeons in Maine Pyar Kiya: The iconic “Kabootar Ja Ja Ja” song featuring the messenger pigeon took weeks to perfect. The filmmakers used special bird trainers to ensure the pigeon flew on cue and returned to the actors as required.
7. Chimps in Aankhen: The two monkeys in Aankhen, named Bajrangi and Birbal in the film, were a huge hit with audiences. Their antics became so popular that the filmmakers later revealed they had to reshoot several scenes because the chimps often improvised, creating moments even funnier than scripted ones.
8. Dogs in Chillar Party: Bhidu, the stray dog in Chillar Party, was adopted from an animal shelter and trained for the movie. After the film’s release, he was adopted by a cast member, drawing attention to the importance of adopting stray animals.
9. Snakes in Nagina: Sridevi’s dance to the iconic “Main Teri Dushman” song was so convincing that many viewers believed the snakes on-screen were real. In reality, animatronics and clever editing were used for several close-up shots.
10. Pluto Mehra in Dil Dhadakne Do: The dog who played Pluto was specially trained for the film, but Aamir Khan’s narration gave the character a human-like personality. His witty commentary on the dysfunctional family added a unique perspective to the story.
11. Crocodiles in Khoon Bhari Maang: The crocodile sequences were filmed using animatronics combined with real footage. These scenes became iconic, adding a chilling intensity to the revenge narrative.
12. Elephants in Junglee: Vidyut Jammwal, known for his action sequences, trained with real elephants for Junglee. The bond he developed with the animals was so strong that he reportedly continued visiting them long after filming was complete.
13. Pandas in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani: The “panda mascot” scene, featuring humans dressed as pandas, was inspired by Ranbir Kapoor’s fascination with the animal. The movie’s quirky humor often revolved around these playful costumes.
14. Horses in Sholay: Dhanno, the iconic horse of Basanti (Hema Malini), became a fan favorite. Dhanno was so central to the plot that her gallop during key sequences remains one of Bollywood’s most memorable animal moments.
15. Golden Retriever in Entertainment: The titular dog in Entertainment had its own dedicated team of caretakers and trainers on set. Akshay Kumar revealed in interviews that the dog was treated like a star, often receiving applause from the crew for nailing difficult scenes.
16. Owls in Harry Potter-esque Moments in Bollywood: Bollywood’s fascination with owls was evident in movies like Paheli (2005), where the bird symbolized mystery and magic. Owls, often tied to Indian folklore, have been portrayed as harbingers of both wisdom and mischief.
17. Cats in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani: Sheru, the mischievous cat, added a humorous subplot to the film. Although the cat’s scenes were brief, they were so well-received that the filmmakers included an extra sequence in the final cut.
18. Snakes in Hisss: Mallika Sherawat trained intensively to embody the movements of a snake for Hisss. Special effects were used for transformation sequences, but the film also included real cobras for added authenticity.
19. Parrots in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge: The parrot in Raj’s (Shah Rukh Khan) family home had a minor but memorable role, providing comic relief in scenes that focused on the family’s dynamic.
20. Street Dogs in Bajrangi Bhaijaan: The street dogs featured in Bajrangi Bhaijaan added realism to the film’s depiction of rural India. While not central to the story, their presence was part of the movie’s attempt to showcase a slice of life in the countryside.