MUMBAI: While dogs have frequently charmed their way into Hindi cinema, featuring a feline as the main protagonist is a rare cinematic feat. However, the upcoming award-winning film Max, Min & Meowzaki is set to break the mold, bringing a refreshing novelty to the silver screen. Releasing exclusively in theatres on July 24, the film weaves a multigenerational narrative centered around love, loss, second chances, and an unexpected feline star.
Producer Samiksha Oswal recently opened up about the unique hurdles the crew faced while navigating a production led by a four-legged diva. Revealing that the shooting schedule took significantly longer than anticipated, Oswal shared the realities of an unconventional set.
“Nobody has ever made a film with a cat. There are films featuring dogs, but it’s difficult to shoot with a cat,” Oswal explained. Recalling the unpredictable days on set, she added, “I remember that the cat used to run away between the lights. She was sleeping most of the time, and people had to wait patiently. The time taken was more than usual. But, the film is looking exactly the way we envisaged.”
The decision to pursue such an offbeat and challenging project stems from a deeply personal space for the producers. According to Oswal, her husband and co-producer, Shael Oswal, is a devoted animal lover who cares for over a hundred stray dogs at their farmhouse.
“This is our story also,” she stated. “Shael was very excited to do a film with a cat. People often don’t notice the small sacrifices we make to adjust with our partners. The film is based on a very different subject. Certain things have never been addressed before, like a cat being the main protagonist. We were quite thrilled about the freshness of this idea and the whole look of the film.”
The heartwarming trailer has already begun to resonate with audiences, offering a glimpse into a world that explores the poignant realities of healing, acceptance, and the courage to begin again.
Max, Min & Meowzaki boasts a stellar ensemble cast featuring Medha Shankr, Siddharth Menon, Adil Hussain, Mandira Bedi, Nasser, Nafisa Ali, and Vidhatri Bandi.
Even before its theatrical debut, the film has made a massive splash on the global festival circuit. Following its premiere at the prestigious Busan International Film Festival, it earned a coveted spot in the Best of Fest selection at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. The project has also swept up Audience Honours at festivals in Sonoma, San Francisco, and Osaka, alongside Best Feature awards at Stuttgart, Cincinnati, Berlin’s Indo-German Film Week, and RIFFA in Canada.
Presented by Samiksha Oswal and produced by Shael Oswal and Samiksha Oswal under the banner of SSO Productions, Max, Min & Meowzaki is written and directed by Padmakumar Narasimhamurthy. The film is slated for a theatrical release on July 24.
