Ohh My Dog is a tender family entertainment that reminds the audience that animals can sometimes show that they are often the most caring, loyal and brave of all beings and we humans can never.
Set in Assam and Bihar, Amit Rai’s film is a story of two very emotional, but connected, experiences based on two dogs Oscar and Momo in love and hope and humanity.
The film follows Appu, played by Maahi Rai, a young and tech-savvy Assam boy whose world has been turned upside down when his beloved dog, Momo, inexplicably disappears. Appu refuses to believe that his loyal companion is lost for good and in his heart he goes on an emotional journey that is very real and slowly reveals dark secrets beneath the surface. And his determination, innocence, and bond with Momo are the building blocks of the film’s emotional strength.
In a parallel story to this, another very touching story is told in Bihar. Oscar, an extremely loyal dog, goes on a very special adventure after his caretaker Prince is suddenly gone. Oscar is a devoted dog and he searches in the dark for Prince and finds out a very dangerous secret. His dogged pursuit shows dogs’ deep emotional intelligence and loyalty and so in the end he is more than a pet; he is the film’s silent hero.
Instead of putting them together in conventional plot twists, director Amit Rai makes it very thoughtful to have them mirror each other. And so it is that this is a story that truly expresses a universal love that transcends geography, language and circumstances. In Assam or Bihar’s rural heartland, the emotional core is the same: the love which is there between humans and their four-legged friend.
The film’s storytelling is one of the key strengths. Amit Rai does not resort to melodrama; instead audiences feel the human suffering and the pain in the film. The storyline moves without being rushed, and the characters and their struggles are not as much of a story as a movie that keeps its heart going and the mystery of what happened with them is what the movie needs to do but the film never loses sight of its main message of empathy, trust and family.
Pankaj Tripathi portrays himself well in all roles, and once again does a very real and emotional job. Oscar and Momo’s story is the main focus of the film so Tripathi’s presence is of emotional stability and warmth. His natural acting is perfect for this film’s quiet and understated tone, so even the ordinary things are meaningful.
Young actor Maahi Rai does an effective job as Appu: a very genuine character for a child actor. The child actor is very much the perfect representation of determination, vulnerability and innocence and it makes it easy for viewers to relate to his desperate search for Momo. Appu and his pet are like real and believable and the emotional attachment between them is real and genuine -- which adds more depth to the film.
But it’s the dogs who steal the show. Oscar, in particular, makes an outstanding effort in characterizing the character with body language and a great presence on screen. Without saying a single word, the loyal dog expresses fear, determination, affection and courage with extraordinary conviction. Momo, although we’ve seen her differently, is very much involved in the emotional weight of the story.
The film is visually charming as well thanks to its differences in the locations. Assam’s lush greenery and Bihar’s rustic landscapes give a sense of realism to the real world that is the emotional journey going on as we see in it. The cinematography captures nature’s beauty and intimate human experience with care in the cinematography.
The background score helps to amplify the storytelling without getting overwhelming. The emotional scenes are supported by music that supports rather than manipulates the viewer’s feelings and the performances stay front and center.
In addition to being an entertaining family drama, Ohh My Dog gently raises awareness about animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and the unconditional bond between humans and animals. It encourages viewers to appreciate the loyalty of pets and reflect on values like kindness, compassion, and trust.
Some parts of the screenplay could have been tighter, and some characters may have been developed with more depth, but these minor flaws won’t detract from the film’s quality. The emotional payoff is still satisfying for the audience; so audiences of all ages can come away with a lot of satisfaction.
Ohh My Dog as a whole does not fail, but it does succeed on its universal story that is very close to everyone who has ever loved a dog. It is a film that inspires and uplifts people and it is the very best kind of loyalty to one another exists. Oscar and Momo, the film reminds us that unconditional love often comes on four legs and it comes with nothing but kindness and companionship.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐
Great family entertainment that is warm, emotional and is full of great performances, Ohh My Dog is also a film about humanity from the point of view of man’s best friend.
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