Sharing screen space with Nawazuddin Siddiqui in Buddhadeb Dasgupta's upcoming film 'Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa' is a Labrador

The dog essays the actor's confidante in the dark comedy. Considering that filmmakers and animal activist groups often lock horns about the manner in which an animal is shown on screen, Dasgupta's film has come under scrutiny.

The veteran filmmaker has been asked to hold a special screening of the film for the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) officials in Chennai. The Board comes under the purview of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Admits Buddhadeb, `We have been told to first screen the film for the AWBI before it goes to the Censor Board, as they want to see how the dog has been depicted.` In the past the Censor Board and animal rights activists have often had issues after a film is cleared. So nowadays filmmakers prefer to get a no-objection certificate from the animal board to avoid any issues.

Adds Dasgupta, `As I am a dog lover, I incorporated a canine in my story. The pooch is called Lalu in the film. We procured it from an animal supplier in Kolkata. In fact, it has also shot for a Bengali film earlier. So it was quite a pro in facing the camera.` Nawaz, who is not a dog lover, had apprehensions when he was told about his co-actor. But after spending time on the sets with the canine, he got comfortable. Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa was recently screened at the London Film Festival.