What Is the Story About?
Fernando (Vinay Rai) is obsessed with winning a pet dog competition and wants nothing but the best pet for the same. When one of his best breeds gives birth to a defective (blind) puppy, he orders his assistants to kill it. Luckily, the puppy escapes and finds shelter and care under a kid, Arjun (Arnav Vijay).
How a puppy named Simba changes the life of Arjun? What happens when he decides to enter Simba in a pet dog competition is the movie’s basic premise.
Performances?
Arun Vijay plays a father in the movie. He is convincing and does well to not stand in the way of the real hero, his son, Arnav Vijay. Still, a few moments highlight his intensity and dramatic skills, which are good.
Mahima Nambiar’s housewife role is a very routine part. She does well in the limited scope given and holds her own in those moments. The best, though, is that she slips into the family setup and lends credibility to the role.
Arnav Vijay is the ‘hero’ of the movie, technically. The kid overacts and goes overboard many times, but it is alright. It is mainly because he gets the charming and innocent aspect right. He is not too snooty, which could have taken away the feel-good factor that the movie relies heavily upon.
Analysis
Sarov Shanmugam writes and directs Oh My God. It is a classic Disney tale involving a pet. Here it is a dog, and the core of the movie is about the relationship between the dog and the kid.
The opening establishes the central premise of the movie neatly. It makes clear where and how the film is going to end. All we have to do now is wait for the narrative to reach that point.
At two hours, Oh My Dog does feel lengthy. It is because of the predictable story and not so unexpected dramatic tale. The entire first hour is dedicated to establishing the bond between the kid and the dog. It is good, and plating for the second hour is also done here. As it’s pretty clearly evident, it only leads to a more formulaic feeling.
The second hour maintains the predictability, further compounded with the family melodrama. It is a classic textbook sort of issue handled in a similar style. Given the backdrop and the sport involved, one wishes they were explored more.
The last half an hour packs some emotional punch despite the sheer predictability on offer. There is a dramatic momentum. It spills to the climax, but the uneven melodrama, and quirky pet action, don’t gel well and let Oh My Dog unleash its full potential.
Overall, Oh My Dog is a feel-good fare that is utterly predictable and flat from the start to the end. If you want some old school fun without minding the many cliches throughout, give it a try.
Other Artists?
Vinay Rai and Vijayakumar play other vital roles. The former overacts to the hilt like no tomorrow. It is supposed to be a comic book villain sort of part, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. Vijayakumar is reliable as usual. He plays a grumpy old guy who turns positive when the turn arrives. The role fits him to the T, and he delivers. The rest of the actors are adequate in their small parts.
Music and Other Departments?
Nivas K Prasanna’s songs have a wannabe cool vibe what with all the English lyrics. Still, a couple of songs feel pleasant to listen to. The background score is much better and serves the narrative well. Gopinath’s cinematography is good. He gets the advantage of a picturesque location, but still, it has to be seen in the work. Meghanathan’s editing is alright. The movie could do well with further trimming. The writing is on predictable lines and offers nothing unique, memorable or surprising.
Highlights?
Feel-Good Factor
Casting
BGM
Ending Portions
Drawbacks?
Predictable Story
Routine Drama
Cliche Moments
Uneven Tone
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Reservations
Oh My Dog Tamil Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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