One of my favourite films focused on animals is Dunston Checks In. In this film, all the mischief of the orangutan Dunston makes me laugh my heart out. Besides, the sweet and sour pair of Dunston and Kyle (the younger son of the hotel manager) adds a delicious flavour to the story. In addition to that, they have made me realise the proper way to treat an animal. They have taught me a lot about the values of friendship too. And like a real pet, Dunston is always there to brighten my mood, no matter what the situation. (Which is your favourite film focused on animals... January 11) Shrestha Chakraborty

I love animal-related movies.No doubt I’ve seen many movies focused on animals. But one movie which always brings tears to my eyes is Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. I’ve seen this movie numerous times, but it still feels new every time. Dogs are so loyal. I felt sad for Hachi as he waited for his master at the Shibayu station. So many people own dogs but don’t take care of them but still, the dogs remain loyal. This movie is about a real dog named Hachiko who waited for his master at the station even after his master died. Today, Hachiko is not with us but he is in our hearts. Definitely a must-watch movie for everyone. In a changing world where people are fighting and killing each other, this movie shows how a small good deed is paid back with love and loyalty. Debojit Swarnakar

My favourite film focused on animals is Free Willy. Inspired by the true story of Keiko, who plays the eponymous orca, the film revolves around an orphaned boy, Jesse, who strikes up an unlikely friendship with Willy, who is held captive at an adventure park but is able to escape to freedom with the boy’s help. Jason James Richterdoes a wonderful job of portraying Jesse, along with the supporting actors, Lori Petty, AugustSchellenberg, Jayne Atkinson, and Michael Madsen who star as Willy’s vet, caregiver, and Jesse’sfoster parents, respectively. The real star of the film, though, is Keiko whose success in this film inspired a real-life fan campaign to get him released from captivity which led to Warner Bros taking steps to rehabilitate and free him. Keiko was eventually released but in a sad turn of events, he failed to fully adapt to life in the wild. Nevertheless, Free Willy remains a heartwarming ode to Keiko who will be remembered by viewers for years to come. Rupanjali Samadder

My favourite film focused on animals is Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. It is a simple story of the pious routine of Hachiko, an Akita breed dog, waiting religiously every single day for his master to return at the train station. He waited for almost 10 years with an unvarying routine, without giving up, until one day life gave up on him. At so many junctures, people tried to explain to the grief-stricken Hachiko that the dead can’t return, but he never gives up. All he had was his master, and the life he chooses is one of waiting. I am not that emotional but this movie really made an impression. Even as I write this, there is a lump in my throat thinking of Hachiko. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale is one of the saddest movies ever made, but stories like that of Hachi’s need to be celebrated, and forever remembered.Dyutiman Bhattacharya

My favourite film focused on animals is Marley and Me. Starring my favourite actress, Jennifer Aniston as one of the leads, it follows the journey of a married couple who adopt a Labrador retriever named Marley in order to test their ability to manage and raise a family. However, Marley turns out to be an adventurous and free-spirited creature resulting in damaging their house because of his antics. Then, they try to find him a new home but soon give up this idea as Marley had become an indispensable part of their family. His mischief and innocence create a special spot in the heart of his owners even when they bid him goodbye after years of togetherness. Aayman Anwar Ali

There are many beautiful films focused on animals, but my most favourite one is 777 Charlie. This is one of the finest movies I have ever seen. The story, the emotions, the performances, everything is top-notch. This is a movie which will stay with you forever. You can never get over its simplicity and innocence. This movie is as pure as animals are. Ritrisha Banerjee

I grew up watching Born Free, it is my most favourite film focused on animals. I would like to add a few more to the list like Hatari, The Jungle Book and Finding Nemo. Sreya Chakraborty

Being a Siberian Husky owner, the movie Togo touched my heart to the core. The story is based on real-life incidents. Togo was a Siberian Husky who his owner and breeder Leonhard didn’t want to keep with him because he was very mischievous. He always ruined Leonhard’s training sessions with other Huskies. After a few days, Leonhard finally decided to keep Togo with him. Later he realised Togo was much more energetic and smarter than other dogs and also had the ability to become the leader of his sledge dog pack. This is the story of a naughty little Siberian Husky puppy who became a great Alpha dog, controlled his sledge dog team, saved many people’s lives during a Diptheriaoutbreak by bringing serum for treatment from a place far away under unfavourable weather conditions and became a hero of Nome, Alaska in 1925. Camelia Chouhan

There are some classic films in both Bollywood and Hollywood focused on animals, out of which, The Jungle Book is my favourite. When I was a child, I loved watching the animated tele series based on Rudyard Kipling’s story. It was my favourite show on Doordarshan and I fell in love with each and every character of this story since then. I remember I became so excited when I came to know that a movie based on the same story would be released in theatres. No, I couldn’t go to the cinema hall, but I watched it on television with full satisfaction. The animals in the film are not real though, but their characters are portrayed so beautifully with high-quality technique! What I liked most in this film is the way Mowgli builds his friend circle with wild animals like Bagheera(panther), Baloo (bear), Kaa(python), etc. whereas, the ferocious Sher Khan (Bengal tiger) keeps trying to kill him throughout the movie, but Mowgli’s friends protect him from all kinds of danger and keep him safe. Debojyoti Sikdar

My favourite film focused on animals is Charlie 777. ThisKiranraj K-directed movie is the most beautiful and simplest tale of a bond between a human being and a dog. It drills down into never woke realities of animal welfare that cover adoption, the casual crime of illegal breeding and even resultant tragic genetic disease. The movie begins with a dog escaping from an illegal dog breeding centre. It reaches a colony in Mysuruwhere pet dogs are prohibited. The dog waits near Dharma’s (RakshitShetty) home and depends on leftover food – a single idli – he throws into a garbage bin. The dog gets injured in a bike accident. Dharma is compelled to take the injured dog to a veterinary hospital owned by Dr Ashwin Kumar (Raj B Shetty) for treatment. Olivia Dhar

A moment from 777 Charlie