Junior Charlie: A Tribute to Charlie 777
Overview
"Junior Charlie" is a heartfelt 6-minute film inspired by "Charlie 777," an Indian Kannada cinema, capturing the deep bond between a man and his loyal dog, Charlie. The film explores themes of love, companionship, and resilience through emotionally charged storytelling and visually captivating cinematography.
My Role as Art Director
As the art director, I played a key role in shaping the film’s emotional tone and visual identity. The idea for the pyramid-like grave, which serves as a touching tribute to "Charlie 777" in Indian cinema, was conceptualized by me.
Challenges and Experiences During Filming
Filming presented unique challenges:
- Uncooperative Dog: The dog required us to shoot the entire day to get the right scenes.
- Child Actor's Fear: The young boy acting in the film was initially scared of the dog. We worked to help him grow comfortable, resulting in a genuine and emotionally authentic final outcome.
The process of working with both the dog and the child was a different yet rewarding experience, as we enjoyed their company and the unique dynamic they brought to the set.
Watch the Film
Film Credits
- Directed by: Vikas KS
- DOP: Hema Supriya
- Edited by: Krishna Suzan
- Co-Direction: Bharath Ekangi
- Art by: NagArjuna [APPU]
Social Message and Conclusion
"Junior Charlie" stands as a moving tribute to "Charlie 777," an Indian Kannada cinema, celebrating the unconditional love shared between humans and their pets. Beyond the emotional storytelling, "Junior Charlie" also carries an important social message: over 9,000 street dogs in India have been injured in road accidents in the past decade. This film sheds light on the struggles of street animals and urges viewers to reflect on the need for greater empathy and responsibility toward these vulnerable beings.
“Let’s drive safe to save both our lives and dog’s too”