A poignant new movie titled Indie is capturing nationwide attention for its raw, emotional portrayal of the struggles endured by India’s 30 million stray dogs. At just two minutes long, the film delivers a powerful advocacy message: “Adopt an Indie.”
Produced entirely pro bono, Indie features acclaimed actor Pooja Bhatt, who not only appears on screen but also lends her voice to the narration. The script, written by Vandana Kandalkar of top creative agency VML, crafts a compelling story that brings visibility to the lives of stray dogs—often abused, ignored, and left to suffer.
Across India, stray dogs grapple with hunger, disease, and violence. From rummaging through garbage for scraps to enduring brutal mistreatment and preventable illnesses like rabies and parvovirus, their daily existence is a fight for survival. Medical care and shelter are rare luxuries, leaving them vulnerable to the elements and human cruelty.
The movie doesn’t shy away from these grim truths. Instead, it uses them to deliver a message of hope and action. Indie calls on viewers to consider adoption not as a charitable act, but as a transformative one—for both the animal and the human.
“Indie is a voice for the voiceless,” says Kandalkar. “It’s a call to see the beauty and worth of the dogs we walk past every day. Adopting an indie isn’t charity—it’s love.”
In addition to advocating for adoption, the film underscores the urgent need for Animal Birth Control (ABC) programs, nationwide vaccination drives, humane shelters, and stronger enforcement of animal protection laws. It paints a vision of change driven by compassion and civic responsibility.
With Pooja Bhatt’s emotive performance and VML’s stirring narrative, Indie transcends its short runtime. It is not just a film—it is a movement encouraging audiences to act with heart.
