KOCHI: Man’s best friend for centuries, there has been umpteen takes on man-canine bond. Exploring the beauty of the relationship is Paw Prints, Uthara Unni’s 14-minute short film starring Siddique in the lead. “I am an animal lover and pets have been a part of my life for long. You just can’t resist their love and attachment,” said the actor-cum-dancer.
Paw Prints revolves around a middle-aged man and a dog left to his care, much to his disapproval and irritation. “His friend’s son leaves the dog at his place. Thrown together, the twosome slowly builds a bond and the film is all about this cute relationship that evolves between them.”
She adds that the story is inspired by a personal experience. “Once I had to leave a dog, a gift from a friend, with my father as I was travelling. My dad was very hesitant first, but when I returned I found him totally in love with the dog.
And when I mentioned returning the dog to my friend, he was very hurt. I was really touched by the incident and the dog is still with us,” said Uthara about the film shot in an around the residential colony where she lives with her parents.
Uthara conceived Paw Prints as a small project, but when she got a prominent actor like Siddique on board it instantly got bigger.
“While casting, the first face that came to my mind was that of Siddique sir, but I wasn’t sure whether he would be interested in a short film. And when he said yes, I decided to raise the bar. Then the film has Azhagappan sir cranking the camera, so there was no question of compromising the quality,” said Uthara who also appears in a small role in the film.
Paw Prints is produced by Playground Digital Cinema, a Mumbai-based production house and Uthara says she is already working on her next. “I have already done two short films and Paw Prints is my third. As of now I am planning a web series or another short film for the same production house.”
And how about a feature film? “Of course yes. But first I want to learn the process as much as possible. When I feel confident enough you will definitely see me calling the shots for a feature film,” she added.