Plot
Set in Goa, Dil Dosti Aur Dogs follows multiple interconnected stories revolving around the bond between humans and their pet dogs. A struggling couple, played by Sharad Kelkar and Keerti Kelkar, adopt a female dog, hoping it will bring joy into their lives after years of failing to conceive. Their world changes when the dog unexpectedly gets pregnant, giving them a new perspective on parenthood. Meanwhile, hotel manager, played by Kunaal Roy Kapur insults a dog, which later drowns, leaving him guilt-ridden. In an attempt to make amends, he grows close to Tridha Choudhury’s character, who runs a pet adoption center. Elsewhere, a lonely young girl played by Aarohi Patel, is searching for her lost dog, struggling to connect with her stepfather, played by Ehan Bhat, in the process. Their journey of finding the dog helps them bridge their emotional gap. There’s also a subplot about a dog-smuggling racket, adding an element of suspense. Finally, Neena Gupta’s character, a traumatised elderly woman, finds comfort in adopting a stray dog, only to later face the heartbreaking realisation that it won’t be with her forever. These lives cross paths throughout the film, each reflecting different aspects of companionship, love, and loss.
Highlights
The film’s strongest moments are those that explore the unconditional love between humans and their pets. The emotional depth, especially the traumatised elderly woman’s storyline is especially moving, as Neena Gupta brings grace to her role of a woman who finds new meaning in life through her dog, only to later deal with inevitable grief. Similarly, the bond of Arohi’s character with her missing pet tugs at the heartstrings, as does the couple’s journey of rediscovering happiness through their adopted dog. The Goa setting adds visual charm, and the film’s heartfelt intent is evident throughout. Most importantly, the dogs themselves steal the show with their natural, unfiltered presence, making every scene featuring them delightful to watch.
Drawbacks
Despite its emotional core, the film suffers from weak execution and an inconsistent tone. Kunaal’s character redemption arc feels rushed, and his romance with Tridha’s character lacks depth. Some storylines are unnecessarily exaggerated, such as the over-the-top action sequence in the climax, which feels completely out of place in a film centered on human-animal relationships. The screenplay struggles to balance realism with dramatisation, often leaning into outdated tropes that make certain moments feel forced. Additionally, the film’s attempt to blend multiple genres—romance, drama, suspense—results in an uneven narrative.
Performances
Neena Gupta stands out with a heartfelt performance, elevating the film’s emotional quotient. Sharad Kelkar brings sincerity to his role, while Keerti Kelkar matches his energy. Kunaal Roy Kapur’s portrayal is decent, though his character arc lacks depth. Tridha Choudhury and Ehan Bhat are charming but don’t get enough screen time to fully develop their characters. Aarohi Patel is impressive, capturing the innocence and determination of a child longing for her lost pet. Tinnu Anand makes an appearance but is underutilised. Ultimately, the real stars of the film are the dogs, whose presence brings authenticity and warmth to the narrative.
Technical Aspects
The cinematography captures Goa’s scenic beauty well, but the film’s overall visual appeal is hampered by average production quality. Editing is inconsistent, with some scenes stretched unnecessarily while others feel abruptly cut. The background score attempts to heighten emotions but is forgettable, and the songs fail to leave a lasting impact. The biggest weakness lies in the screenplay, which lacks polish and often resorts to cliché storytelling. If the writing had been more refined and the emotional beats more naturally integrated, the film could have been far more effective.
Verdict
Dil Dosti Aur Dogs is an emotionally driven film that has its share of touching moments but ultimately lacks the storytelling finesse needed to make a lasting impact. While dog lovers will find certain scenes deeply moving, the film’s inconsistent tone, unnecessary melodrama and scattered execution prevent it from being truly memorable.
The heart of the film is in the right place, but its narrative flaws dilute its emotional potential. If you’re a pet lover looking for a feel-good watch, this film offers some sweet and sentimental moments—but don’t expect it to match the emotional depth of classics like Hachi: A Dog’s Tale or Old Yeller.
DIRECTED BY:
Viral Shah
PRODUCED BY: Jyoti Deshpande, Masumeh Makhija, and Viral Shah
CAST: Neena Gupta, Masumeh Makhija, Sharad Kelkar, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Keerti Kelkar, Tinu Anand, Ehan Bhat, and Tridha Chaudhary
Streaming on: JioHotstar
RATING: 2.5/5
