Pankaj Tripathi on 'Ohh My Dog': Why he said yes instantly
Synopsis
Pankaj Tripathi says he told director Amit Rai he would do 'Ohh My Dog' without even asking about his role — a rare unconditional yes from one of Hindi cinema's most selective actors. With over 250 dogs on set and a story built around a child's bond with a pet, the film is betting that unguarded emotion is enough to fill theatres on 31 July.
Key Takeaways
Pankaj Tripathi agreed to star in 'Ohh My Dog' immediately after director Amit Rai approached him, without conditions on his role.
Tripathi and Rai previously collaborated on 'Oh My God 2' .
The film features canine stars Oscar and Bruno , along with over 250 dogs .
The ensemble cast includes Maahi Rai , Geeta Aggarwal Sharma , Pawan Malhotra , and others.
Produced under Babulal Biscope and Thinking Hats Entertainment , the film releases on 31 July .
Actor Pankaj Tripathi has revealed that he agreed to star in the upcoming family film 'Ohh My Dog' without hesitation, saying the story's exploration of the emotional bond between humans and dogs felt both important and necessary. The trailer of the film was unveiled at a launch event in Mumbai on Tuesday, 21 July.
Why Tripathi Said Yes Without Conditions
Speaking at the trailer launch, Tripathi recalled that when director Amit Rai first approached him about the project, he committed on the spot — regardless of the size of his role. The two had previously collaborated on 'Oh My God 2', and that working relationship, combined with the film's theme, made the decision easy.
Tripathi said, 'I thought it's an important and necessary film. I had worked with Amit on Oh My God 2, and when I heard about Ohh My Dog, I just told Amit that I'll do the film, whatever my role may be. The bond between humans and dogs is built on unconditional love, trust, and loyalty, and this film captures those emotions beautifully.'
What the Director Wanted to Achieve
Director and producer Amit Rai described the film as a story built for families, centred on the bond between a child and a dog — which he called 'one of the purest forms of love.' He said, 'With Ohh My Dog, I wanted to tell a story that resonates with every family. Through this film, we hope to make audiences laugh, cry, and leave the theatre with a little more kindness in their hearts not just towards animals, but towards each other as well.'
Cast, Crew, and Release Details
Produced by Amit Rai, Rajesh Bhardwaj, and Sana Warsi under the banners of Babulal Biscope and Thinking Hats Entertainment, the film features an ensemble cast including Maahi Rai, Geeta Aggarwal Sharma, Rajesh Kumar, Pawan Malhotra, Sulakhyana Baruah, and Vijay Mishra. Canine stars Oscar and Bruno, alongside over 250 dogs, also feature prominently.
The film revolves around the extraordinary connection between a young child and a dog, promising a wholesome cinematic experience for audiences across age groups. 'Ohh My Dog' is set to release in theatres on 31 July.
The Broader Appeal
The film arrives at a time when Indian family cinema has seen renewed audience interest in emotionally grounded, non-franchise storytelling. With Tripathi's presence lending credibility and Rai's track record on 'Oh My God 2', the project carries notable commercial expectations. Whether it translates that warmth into box-office numbers will become clear in the days following its release.
Point of View
Which has outperformed expectations in recent years. The real question is whether 'Ohh My Dog' can convert its emotional premise into sustained footfalls, or whether it remains a niche feel-good release in a crowded July window. Rai's ability to blend sentiment with broad appeal, as he did on 'Oh My God 2', will be the deciding factor.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Pankaj Tripathi agree to do 'Ohh My Dog'?
Pankaj Tripathi said he agreed immediately because the film's theme of unconditional love, trust, and loyalty between humans and dogs deeply resonated with him. He told director Amit Rai he would do the film regardless of the size of his role.
When does 'Ohh My Dog' release in theatres?
'Ohh My Dog' is scheduled to release in theatres on 31 July. The trailer was launched at an event in Mumbai on 21 July.
Who directed 'Ohh My Dog' and who are the producers?
The film is directed and co-produced by Amit Rai, alongside producers Rajesh Bhardwaj and Sana Warsi, under the banners of Babulal Biscope and Thinking Hats Entertainment.
Who else stars in 'Ohh My Dog' besides Pankaj Tripathi?
The film features Maahi Rai, Geeta Aggarwal Sharma, Rajesh Kumar, Pawan Malhotra, Sulakhyana Baruah, and Vijay Mishra, as well as canine stars Oscar and Bruno and over 250 dogs.
Have Pankaj Tripathi and Amit Rai worked together before?
Yes, Pankaj Tripathi and director Amit Rai previously collaborated on 'Oh My God 2'. Tripathi cited that working relationship as one of the reasons he trusted the project immediately.
