Sometimes, A Movie Can Change Someone’s Life
When the trailer of ‘777 Charlie’ released in April, I was awestruck after watching it. The story, the cinematography, the cast, and pretty much everything looked extremely promising.
I decided to watch the movie on that very day. It got released on June 10, and on June 13, I went to watch it in Bhubaneswar’s Sriya Talkies. It was a Monday and I deliberately chose the day anticipating fewer crowds. The fear of COVID still lurked so I wanted to come into close contact with as few people as possible.
The show time was 9:30am and I reached the theatre at around 8:45. It was a short queue outside the ticket counter and I managed to get a ticket within five minutes.
As the show time inched close, I went to the gallery entrance and waited for the crowd to disperse. After some minutes, I went inside and took my seat.
A few minutes after the movie began I could empathize with the man character’s life, which isn’t extraordinarily abnormal for many after the pandemic. A dark, lonely, and painful existence resulting from past traumas.
Things, however, took an unexpected turn after the entry of the titular character — Charlie, who brought a dash of sunshine and a lot of unpleasant surprises and torture for his carer. As the movie progressed, there were a lot of heartwarming moments, and even more heart-wrenching ones, in store for me.
It became a little overwhelming to absorb and process all the emotions. After the movie ended I was unable to stand properly even as some people in the audience gave a standing ovation while a few outliers whistled and howled, which was uncalled for.
After I went home, I could sense a change in me. I wasn’t my normal self. Some scenes from the movie haunted me and preoccupied my thoughts. One day went by but there was little change. By Wednesday, I thought of watching the movie a second time to get over the emotions and the hangover. But it was already late for the morning show and I couldn’t go for the late-night show.
On Thursday morning, I decided not to dwell on the thought though something has changed in me after watching the movie. I could get in touch with my sensitive side and my love and concern for animals have increased manifold.
I realized watching the movie another time wouldn’t amount to anything if I didn’t get the message it tries to convey. Of course, it can contribute something to the makers, but will it be sufficient? No.
The makers aim to promote the adoption of rescued dogs and indies. I feel the intention behind making this movie is not just to mint money but much more noble than that. I know it may never earn the money as some recent blockbusters but its message will resonate with everyone who has a heart and knows how to listen to it.
After ditching the idea to watch the movie a second time, I am considering passive adoption. I will also try to contribute to 777 Charlie’s YouTube account if the payment option is available.
Meanwhile, I have found out some organizations that are working towards a noble cause and I feel anyone who wants to do something for animals can contribute their time, money, or efforts to the organizations.
Interestingly, a Bangalore-based organization Charlie’s CARE is doing exceptional work in the memory of Charlie, a differently-abled, three-legged canine who revolutionized the animal rescue industry.
Likewise, there are many such organizations out there such as Peepal Farm Center, Dhyan Foundation, Cupa Bangalore, and hundreds more.
Closer home, we have Ekamra Animal Welfare Trust, the leading animal welfare group in Odisha, which is run by some really special people close to me.
Never before have I thought of doing something for the welfare animal (except for the occasional feeding of biscuits and pieces of bread to the strays.) But now I am determined to put my money where my heart is, and I pray to the Almighty to make me His instrument for the cause.
