[4] Dharan Mandrayar, a nephew of actor Sivaji Ganesan, studied in India and later in the United States.

[5] The film was shot in South India and was produced by Dharan and Linda Mandrayar's Dharlin Entertainment.

[4] Mandrayar had Ele hover his foot above him to convince the film crew that the elephant could be trusted.

[4] The film was released in Germany and Italy as Mein Freund, der kleine Elefant and Il Mio Amico Elé, respectively.

[10][11] The film won the Best Picture for Environment and Quality of Life Award in Bellinzona, Switzerland.