Following a strong theatrical response in India, OHH MY DOG, the Hindi family entertainer (released in the UAE on 4th September) directed by Amit Rai and starring Pankaj Tripathi, Maahi Rai, Pawan Malhotra, and an ensemble cast, premiered in Dubai at Reel Cinemas, Dubai Mall, hosted by Phars Film.
Director Amit Rai attended the Dubai premiere, which marked the beginning of the film’s international theatrical journey and offered UAE audiences an opportunity to experience a story that has struck an emotional chord with families and animal lovers across India.
Released theatrically in India on August 7, OHH MY DOG has received an encouraging response from both audiences and critics, with particular praise for its emotional storytelling, performances, and the film’s central human-animal bond. Audience reactions have highlighted the film’s warmth, family appeal, and its two parallel rescue journeys.
The film has also begun generating conversation around India’s Oscar selection, with its rooted storytelling, universal themes, and distinctive portrayal of India’s indigenous dogs adding to the growing interest around its awards-season potential.
At the heart of OHH MY DOG are two parallel journeys. In Assam, a young boy, Apu, sets out to rescue his beloved dog, Momo, after Momo is kidnapped. Meanwhile, in Bihar, Oscar, a street dog, embarks on his own extraordinary journey to find his missing human companion. As the two stories unfold, the film brings together courage, empathy, loyalty, and the extraordinary emotional connection between humans and animals.
The film’s distinctive use of real indigenous dogs, alongside more than 250 canine performers, has also emerged as one of its defining features. Oscar and Bruno, the film’s canine leads, have become central to the audience conversation surrounding the film.
Speaking about bringing the film to UAE audiences, Phars Film said:
“At the centre of OHH MY DOG is an emotion that is universal; the bond between a family and the animal that becomes part of that family. The response the film has received in India has been extremely encouraging, and we are delighted to bring it to audiences in the UAE. We believe its warmth, humour and emotional storytelling can connect with families and audiences across cultures.”
For Amit Rai, the UAE release represents an important next step for a film rooted in distinctly Indian landscapes and communities but built around emotions that transcend borders.
“OHH MY DOG is deeply rooted in India, but the emotions at its heart are universal. The love between a child and his dog, the loyalty of an animal towards his human and the instinct to protect someone you love; these are emotions that don’t need translation. I am very happy that the film is now travelling to audiences in the UAE,” said Amit Rai.
The Dubai premiere comes at a significant moment for the film, following its theatrical run in India and growing conversations around its awards potential. The film has particularly resonated with families and dog lovers, while its emphasis on indigenous Indian dogs has given it a distinctive identity within the family-entertainment space.
The UAE release also marks the beginning of a wider international chapter for OHH MY DOG. With Dubai’s uniquely diverse audience comprising multiple nationalities and communities, the film enters a market where its themes of family, loyalty, companionship, and belonging can travel beyond language and cultural boundaries.
Phars Film will release OHH MY DOG across approximately 20 screens in the UAE, with the film screening across leading UAE cinema platforms, including Reel Cinemas, VOX Cinemas, Star Cinemas, and others.
