In an astonishing turn of events worthy of a Hollywood storyline, Kuvi, a hero dog who played an instrumental role in a tragic rescue operation, is now set to become a movie star. This courageous canine first stole the hearts of a nation when she helped locate the body of two-year-old Dhanushka, her owner’s family member, in the aftermath of the devastating landslip in Pettimudy, Idukki, on August 6, 2020. Now, Kuvi is preparing for her big screen debut as the lead in the upcoming movie Najuss, relaxing at the home of her new owner, Ajith Madhavan, a civil police officer in Cherthala, Alappuzha.
The film, written and directed by Sreejith Poyilkavu, spins the tale of a stray dog that drifts into a village in Malappuram and captures the affection of its residents. The movie unfolds to reveal the dog’s impact on the community it becomes a part of. With shooting already complete, the team eagerly anticipates its release, expected in April or May.
“It is a dog-oriented film and Kuvi is playing the lead character,” Mr. Poyilkavu proudly states. According to him, Kuvi, who was trained by Mr. Madhavan to perform for the camera, fit seamlessly into the film’s crew, handling her scenes with a professional ease that belied her lack of acting experience.
The tale of Kuvi’s journey to stardom is as heart-wrenching as it is inspiring. Mr. Madhavan encountered the loyal dog while working with Kerala Police’s K9 Squad during the rescue operation in Pettimudy, which claimed 70 lives. Kuvi had been searching for her owner’s family, of whom 21 out of 23 had died in the catastrophe. Deeply affected, she initially refused food and exhibited signs of depression. Gradually, she began to trust Mr. Madhavan, accepting sustenance from him and staying by his side.
Four days after the landslide, it was Kuvi’s alert to the rescue team that led to the recovery of little Dhanushka’s body. Her actions that day were a poignant testament to her bond with her family. Though Kuvi was recruited into the police dog squad following the disaster, an appeal by Dhanushka’s grandmother eventually saw her being returned to the care of her family.
Kuvi’s life took another turn early in 2022, as she became pregnant and her family entrusted her to Mr. Madhavan. He brought her to Cherthala, where he further trained the already experienced search and rescue dog in obedience and other commands. According to Mr. Madhavan, now stationed at the Adimaly station, Kuvi, at five years of age, completed the 20-day film shoot without any complications, showcasing her adaptability and intelligence.
Kuvi’s upcoming film not only shines a spotlight on her exceptional life but also features notable faces such as Sajitha Madathil, Kailash, Tito Wilson, Ambili Sunil, and Manoj Govidan. Her story is a stirring reminder of the remarkable bonds between humans and animals, and the film promises to bring her heroic and touching tale to the silver screen, serving as a tribute to her spirit and the lives touched by her loyalty.
The state of Kerala, famed for its lush landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, finds itself with a new and unlikely hero. From search and rescue to the dog squad, and now to the silver screen, Kuvi’s life is one that continues to inspire and captivate, as she makes the leap from real-life hero to cinematic star in Najuss.
