Sohra, March 19: Brunie promises to be a film that underscores the truism that a dog is a man's best friend.

Directed by Suraj Chitre, Brunie , a Bollywood film in the making, is being widely shot here and in Shillong. The main protagonists are Pyaar Ka Punchnama actor Raayo S. Bakhirta and debutante Mansi Athavale.

The film portrays the role of Brunie, a dog, in the lives of a childless couple.

Today, the cast and crew were at the picturesque Dain Thlen near here, about 56km from Shillong, for the last leg of the shoot.

Heaping praise on the local residents for their hospitality, Chitre, while speaking to journalists, said the film would also feature Khasi songs from the famous band Summersalt.

The Shillong-based band, led by Kitkupar Shangpliang, made its debut in the Bollywood film Rock On 2 which was released in November last year.

"First, we thought that we should shoot abroad. But after seeing pictures of Meghalaya's capital, we thought that this part of the globe is a heavenly place. In fact, nearly 80 per cent of the film's shoot is being done in Shillong and Sohra (Cherrapunjee)," Chitre said.

The shoot in Sohra and Shillong would be wrapped up within the next three days, he added.

Chitre said: "We had no problem along our way. In fact, they are co-operative and have been helping us with locations, food and transportation. We never felt that we were out of Mumbai."

Through the film, Chitre wants to highlight the veracity of the popular saying that "a dog is a man's best friend".

For Mansi, it is like a dream come true. Just two years ago when she was here, she had dreamt of doing a film at these scenic locations.

"People here are very supportive and it has been an amazing experience," she said.

Echoing Mansi, Raayo said before coming to the Northeast, he had only heard of the "good stories" of the region, especially those pertaining to music.

"I am sure that people, after watching this film, will love to come here," he added.

Allan West Kharkongor, a local resident, who has been promoting tourism in and around Sohra, has played a vital role in providing assistance to the cast and crew of the film.

"The rest of India has a negative view of the Northeast. There is a misconception. But when projects like these come, it is an opportunity for us to clarify. It is a win-win position for both," Kharkongor said.

He believes through films, "responsible tourism" would see an upward trend.

As they readied to travel to another location, Chitre, who was apparently smitten by the scenic beauty of Meghalaya, declared that he already had plans to shoot his next film in this part of the globe.

Raayo said he would take back a stringed-instrument called duitara in Khasi, with him.

And Mansi said she would adopt the "nature" of the people here. "They are very calm, friendly and supportive. We should learn this from them," she said.