Karnataka CM in tears after watching ‘777 Charlie’ movie

PTI, Jun 14, 2022, 8:35 PM IST

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai was in tears after watching Rakshit Shetty-starrer movie ”777 Charlie” here.

According to the film crew, the movie written and directed by Kiranraj K, is about a dog entering into the life of the protagonist, who is stuck in a rut with his negative and lonely lifestyle, and giving him a new perspective on it.

Complimenting the emotional storyline of the movie and its screenplay, Bommai after watching it on Monday night said, ”Rakshit Shetty’s character and his acting is superb, it is not easy to play this character. Acting by complementing the feelings of Charlie (the dog) and stitching both emotions is superb.”

”… this film 100 percent synchronizes with emotions, especially the emotion of a dog, which expresses its emotions through eyes…the film is superb and everyone should watch … I always say it is unconditional love, which is pure. This cinema has brought out purity in love through Rakshit Shetty and Charlie,” said the CM who broke down, his voice choking.

”We run out of words to express our gratitude. We are beyond grateful to see Shri. B S Bommai, honorable Chief Minister of Karnataka accept our film with so much love,” 777 Charlie team said in a tweet with a video where CM can be seen constantly wiping tears while watching the movie, also complementing Shetty and Kiranraj.

Last year, videos and pictures of Bommai flanked by family members bidding farewell to his dog ‘Sunny’ by reaching down to kiss, just ahead of the pet’s last rites were to be performed, and wiping his eyes with a handkerchief, had gone viral on social media.

It was on July 12, 2021, when he was the Home Minister. He took over as CM, a few days later on July 28.

Bommai is often seen affectionately caressing and kissing cows after performing ‘Gau Puja’, wherever he goes.

Expressing joy over the Chief Minister watching his movie, Shetty in Bommai’s presence said, ”from the day the movie was ready we were trying to (get him to watch it). As we had seen videos about his affection and love for animals, especially dogs.” Having seen his reaction to the loss of his pet dog, our team was sure that he would like this movie, he added.

Revenue Minister R Ashoka, Primary and Secondary Education Minister B C Nagesh, had accompanied Bommai to watch the movie. Expressing his compassion for stray dogs, the CM said he would discuss with the experts to come out with an initiative to take care of them.

”There is a proposal to formulate a special programme to encourage dog trainers. We should encourage adoption of stray dogs. Stray dogs and other animals should be protected,” he said.

Expressing pride that Kannada movies are attaining international fame with movies like 777 Charlie and KGF 2, Bommai said the site for the proposed Film City in Mysuru has already been finalized. An international-level film city would be established with modern studios and other facilities in consultation with those interested to join hands as a joint venture, he added.