The Banyan Deer was made by the cartoon unit of the Films Division of India. The Banyan Deer was the first major initiative undertaken by the Films Division of India to produce a full-fledged animated movie in colour format. It was based on a popular tale from the Buddhist Jatakas (ancient tales). It tells the story of sacrifice and compassion. Some of the greatest Buddhist art can be seen in the caves of Ajanta, and these were initially chosen as models to base the movie on.