Movie Review of 777 Charlie directed by Kiranraj

Love can change someone’s life for better or for worse. This movie demonstrates that this is true not only in case where two humans are involved but also in cases where a human and an animal bond together. Starring Rakshith Shetty and the dog as the lead artists, the movie 777 Charlie unfolds how the world of an introvert protagonist, who leads a quiet and mundane life, turns around with the entry of Charlie, the dog.

Dharma (played by Rakshith) is a hardworking and a sullen character who carries an indifferent attitude towards his life and that of others. Just like how the universe conspires and arranges for the meeting of two individuals who are destined to meet with seemingly contrasting characters, Charlie, as he flees from his master, lands outside Dharma’s residence. The scene where Charlie meets Dharma for the first time in a starry night with a smoky effect is so romantically shot, that it sends a message to viewers that Charlie finally meets his guy (I, mean, her owner :D).

Charlie somehow finds his way inside Dharma’s dungeon house and the ‘Torture’ song satirically captures the difficulty Dharma goes through in sharing his humble residence with the newcomer, while Charlie happily jumps around and settles in. Dharma tries hard to get rid of him until one day as he understands the superior and unconditional love of Charlie. But, like in all love stories (of course, in real life, too), we realise and reciprocate love a bit too late, as the soul whom we love will only have little time to be with us. This story isn’t different either.

This news breaks Dharma and he sets out on an expedition with Charlie, to a place that would make her blissful and fill her with joy, as she counts her days with him. How this expedition and the people he meets on their way changes his perspective towards life is what the director showcases in the second half. The background score is so moving in places that captures the deep bonding between Dharma and Charlie, as they affectionately caress each other. As for the other characters, except for Adrika, the neighbour kid and Dr Ashwin, a veterinary doctor (played by Raj Shetty), nothing notably written to appreciate. Adrika, with her overloaded cuteness, brings a smile on the faces of the audience in every scene that she appears and Dr Ashwin ensures that with his subtle humor, he lightens the effect of an otherwise emotional movie. Bobby Simha does a guest but befitting role.

There were few scenes that really stood out and I was really happy that I watched this movie in theater. One such scene was the dog show, where Charlie’s performance was purely outstanding, as it showcases its pure love and devotion to his owner. I never have owned a dog nor I have had enough experiences with pets in general. But, I would say, that this movie would make the audience introspect at the way they think about pets. It’s not just the humans who need love and a warm hug but also the other souls that live on this planet. In some places, I even felt that these animals are more trustworthy and dependable than our human counterparts.

It also portrays how a rugged guy like Dharma soften up because of love, how it makes him vulnerable and how this feeling called love helps us unearth our true potential and brings meaning to our life. More importantly, it underscores the fact that it needn’t be a romantic love, after all.

This movie is neatly packed with right dose of emotions and has no unnecessary digressions such as fights, romantic flirtations etc. However, I felt the movie to be a bit slowly paced but I personally did not have a dull moment as Dharma and Charlie kept me hooked to the seat. I would definitely urge the readers to watch this movie in theaters with your family, especially kids, and spread love to all fellow souls! 

I left the theater with a light heart and a quote of Charlie Chaplin from the Great Dictator lingered in my mind (which also appears in one of the scenes in the movie), which goes like this:

“We think too much, and feel too little

More than machinery, we need humanity

More that cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness”.