In an unusual twist for Indian cinema, the heartbeat of the upcoming Kannada film Nayi Idae Yecharikae is a trained German Shepherd named Ruby. The entire cast and crew found their schedules completely revolving around the canine star's moods, meal times, and nap times, creating a unique filmmaking experience centered on animal welfare.
A Film With A Canine Conscience
Scheduled for release on November 28, the film is produced by Lavanya Gadey under the Laughing Peacock Productions banner. It ventures into the horror-thriller genre with an engaging and rare premise: the story is built around a dog. This creative choice underscores a powerful message that animals deserve dignity, care, and respect.
Lead actor Dr. Leela Mohan passionately explains the film's core mission. "Dogs are no less than humans, but they are often treated badly," he states. "We wanted to create a film that spreads awareness about the importance of treating dogs well."
Shooting With A Four-Legged Star
Despite Ruby being a professionally trained dog, the production faced significant challenges. Dr. Mohan compares the experience to working with a child. "Ruby had to be fed on time, given enough time for naps, and sent home whenever she needed. We had to adjust. Everyone's schedule—from the technicians to the actors—revolved around Ruby's schedule," he reveals.
Safety as the Paramount Priority
The set was meticulously managed to ensure Ruby's comfort and safety. Unpredictable elements like sudden sounds, lighting changes, and makeup applications could easily unsettle the animal, so the team was always prepared.
"We made sure sanitisation was always on hand," notes Dr. Mohan, leveraging his medical background. "We also kept a rabies vaccine on set, just in case. Since we were shooting in a horror environment, there was always the risk of the dog getting scared and reacting." The production had an added layer of security as one of their actors, Srini, is a licensed breeder, ensuring a qualified professional was always available to handle the dog.
This thoughtful approach to filmmaking highlights a growing consciousness in the industry, proving that a successful production can run on a dog's timetable while promoting a message of compassion and respect for all living beings.
