Jhola Recommendation

Nepali movie ‘Jhola’ is a movie made on a popular book by the same name by literary figure, Krishna Dharabasi. The plot set on the Nepali society of the time about a century ago. The movie directed by Yadav Kumar Bhattarai features Garima Pant, Desh Bhakta Khanal, Deepak Chhetri, Laxmi Giri, Pralhad Khatiwada etc. in main roles. The movie made on the banner of Media for Culture Pvt. Ltd. was made after an extensive research on the topic for about 7 years. Based on the novel, late Deepak Alok had written the script of the movie – keeping the core of the book intact. The movie can be categorized as a historical art movie.

Story
The movie presents the height of violence against women in ancient Nepal – Sati tradition. In ‘Jhola’ an young woman (Garima Pant) is married to a man 40 years senior to her. When her husband dies, Garima is burned alive with the dead body of her husband. She escaped the fire and hides in a cave. You can watch the movie to know what happens to Garima and how her underage son helps her.The story was written by Dharabasi based on a story he found written in leaf booklet in a bag (Jhola) left at his home by an elderly man who had come from Manipur, India. Hence the name ‘Jhola’. The event shown in the movie happened in a remote village of Bhojpur district. The shooting however was done in Dhading after reviewing various other locations in Sindhuli, Bhojpur, Ilam, Therathum, Panchthar, Sindhupalanchowk, Rolpa, Taplejung, Khaptad, Doti, Achham, Bajhang, and Bajura.

Strength and Weakness
Although there are place for improving, the scenes in the movie seem realistic and historical. The movie depicts the environment of East Nepal at the time 100 years ago. The movie uses long shot to present realistic views of the time. The movie features traditional tools like dhiki, janto, madani, ranko, diyalo and so on.The young people could get a glimpse of our past and the old people can feel the time they have went through in their childhood. So, both young and the old can enjoy the movie. In addition to Sati tradition, the movie also touches slavery (Kamara Kamari) tradition.The cinematography is one of the best aspect of the movie. The director has also taken care to present the ancient environment. Most of the lighting during the shooting were also made by traditional lights like ranko, diyalo and fire place light. The dress used by the characters were also sewn by hand. Background music was also composed of leaf music and traditional tunes.The director says that none of the artists have done make up. To make the characters natural, they had carried cow dung, dug in fields, carried water and the natural dirt was used to make the characters real.

Star Cast
Garima Pant and the child artist have done a very realistic acting. Other actors have also justified their character. In a report, Garima got sick after the shooting of the scene in which she runs away by swimming in the river. Garima told that throughout the shooting she didn’t take a bath or applied makeup.The director Yadav Bhattarai is a well known name in directing Nepali music videos. After directing about 900 music video Yadav decided to make the movie on the story he read some 11 years ago. He read the book in BS 2059 and got the permission to make movie on it in BS 2063 from Dharabasi. The script writer Deepak Alok had died four years prior to the release of the movie.

Conclusion
‘Jhola’ is a historical movie to get a glimpse of the time of our fore fathers. The movie is a mirror of violence against women in ancient time. Apart from the entertainment, the movie offers insights into history, culture and tradition. ‘Jhola’ has it’s share of shortcomings but, it is a good historical movie.If you like fight, singing and dance, and fun in movies – this might not be the one you would love to watch.

Kabaddi Preview

A dark comedy, Nepali movie ‘Kabaddi’ is a movie by Ram Babu Gurung featuring Dayahang Rai, Nischal Basnet, and Rishma Gurung in lead roles. Other actors in the movie include Rajan Khatiwada, Bijay Baral, and Buddhi Tamang. The presentation of Black Horse Pictures, the movie is made on the story, screenplay and the direction of Ram Babu Gurung. Cinematographer Purushottam Pradhan has shot the movie, Govinda Rai was the choreographer and Neelima Sharma had designed the costume. The movie is jointly produced by Nischal Basnet and Sunil Chand Rauniyar.

Story
‘Kabaddi’ is a story of Bir Kaji (Dayahang Rai) who lives in a village named Naurikot. Most of the young guys of Naurikot have already left for foreign employments and most of those who are left are also planning to leave the place. Kaji in contrast is aimless in such terms. All he wants is to get married to his maternal cousin Maiya (Rishma Gurung). Maiya however runs away from every romantic advances of Kaji. Kaji’s friends (played by Bijaya Baral and Buddhi Tamang) back Kaji in every tactics he applies to get Maiya’s approval.


Maiya is not interested in having any affair with Kaji. She has a plan to visit and study in Kathmandu in her. She also wants to meet her father who had alienated himself. When Nischal Basnet Naurikot Maiya tries to woo him so that she could visit Kathmandu with him. Nischal’s presence made Kaji feel insecure and plans to marry Maiya forcefully. The whole story is in somewhat presented in the short trailer. Watch the movie to know what Kaji did to get his love. The movie doesn’t have the ending like other Nepali movies.

Strength and Weakness
‘Kabaddi’ presents a true image of Mustang in terms of social and geographical beauty is presented in the movie. The characters in the movie represent the true representation of real people and the viewers can feel the emotions of the characters. It’s not only the background music, the silence is also properly used in the movie. All the characters look real.

The first half flows smoothly and the viewers feel the tension of the story and binding. But, the second half fails to follow the same pace. The events happen in a bit of a haste. Although the scenes preceding the ending feel a bit out of pace, the ending is perfect. The script could have been made better.

The plot on Thakali community and a remote part of Nepal, the movie could have shed more light in the traditions of Thakali ethnic community.Star Cast
The lead actor Dayahang Rai is perfect in his role. The acting, body language and dialogue delivery of Dayahang Rai is faultless. The new actress Rishma Gurung has also done justice to her character. The director of hit movies like ‘Loot‘, Nischal Basnet could have done much better that what he has done in the movie. Although he could have done better, he has done justice to his character.

The director Rambabu Gurung has done a great job in terms of the story and direction. The cinematographer Purushottam Pradhan has been successful in capturing the emotion and the essence of Mustang.

Conclusion
The year 2071 has started with more than one hit movies indicating the year to be a good year for the Nepali movie industry. ‘Nai Nabhannu La 2′ became very successful and now ‘Kabaddi’ is in the path to become another hit movie of the year 2071. Another release, ‘November Rain’ is also doing good in theater.

‘Kabaddi’ is an original Nepali movie made on real-life characters. The movie will certainly leave a higher level for the upcoming Nepali movies to attain.

Himmatwali Conclusion

The directorial debut of actress Rekha Thapa and debut of disabled actor Sudarshan Gautam as an actor, ‘Himmatwali‘ was released on Fulpati, at the time of the biggest festival of Nepal, Dashain.The movie is produced by Rekha’s mother Saraswati Thapa and is released under Rekha Films banner. The movie features Rekha Thapa and Sudarshan Gautam in lead roles. Other actors include Abhaya Chand and Puskar Bhatta. The movie features the action of Chandra Pant, music of Basanta Sapkota and Tanka Budhathoki, cinematography of Ramsharan Upreti and choreography of Basanta Shrestha and Kamal Rai.

Controversy
The release on Wednesday, against the usual practice of releasing new Nepali movie on Fridays, created a lot of controversies. Rekha ignored the government order. As a result Rekha and her production company Rekha Films were suspended from the Film Producers Association.


The movie was initially directed by Shyam Bhattarai. After few days of shooting, Rekha kicked out of the team and took over the direction responsibility herself. She accused the director of ‘Lanka‘, a hit movie, incompetent and irresponsible person. In addition to directing, acting and producing, Rekha is also named the writer of the movie. Before the incident, Rekha used to call Shyam her big brother and she had also celebrated Bhai Tika with him. When she was in the USA, she also conveyed Shyam Bhattarai’s message to his ex-wife Ranjana Sharma. Although Shayam and Rekha have patched up now, the relationship hasn’t improved. In a report, Chhabi Raj Ojha is planning to assign Shyam Bhattarai to direct ‘Lanka’ sequence ‘Lanka 2′.

The relationship between Rekha and Sudarshan has also been a topic of talk in the Nepali film industry. Sudarshan, a father of a child, in Canada has told that he has already divorced and both Rekha and Sudarshan haven’t denied the possibility of marriage.

Story
Satya (Sudarshan Gautam) is hiding in a jungle in Kailali. He is hiding from the US government after releasing secret information in his new portal. He is living with a well armed security guard. He is a most wanted man for the killing an US citizen. By chance, a simple village woman (Rekha Thapa) arrives at the place of Satya’s hideout.

Rekha is featured as a determined and tough girl whom Satya won’t let go from his captivity. The relationship between Satya and Rekha starts and goes on in a predictable way. The story is more like any other Hindi formula movies of the 1990 era.

Strength and Weakness
The movie raises the issues of women, human rights, free journalism. These are the pressing issues of current time and the world. The movie tries to portray Satya as the Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. Although the issue is of international standard, follow up on the matter doesn’t follow the sophistication of a hacker and world class journalist.

The movie is shot in the setting of Tharu community, an interesting part of the movie. Interesting tags – "Disability is not an inability" and "I need brain not only muscle".

The story movie is very predictable. Acting of some artists looks artificial and unnatural.

Star Cast
Rekha has a four-fold role in the movie – as an actress, writer, director and producer. As an actress, Rekha is a seasoned artist in Nepali film industry. In ‘Himmatwali’ she has acted well but, at times she has over-acted in the situations. She is a good actress but in direction, she still has a lot to learn. She starts great and the charisma fades away as the movie goes on.

The biggest asset in Sudarshan Gautam is his disability and he has presented it well. His ability to perform different tasks with his feet are the things viewers would love to watch. He he smoked with his legs, he writes with them and does a lot of un-imaginable things with his legs to impress the viewers. When it comes to acting, he could have done much more.

Jerryy Star Cast

This week’s new release ‘Jerryy’ has gained a good traction in attracting the viewers in the theater. The movie shows a lot of potential of Bhuwan KC‘s son Anmol KC. The movie features Anmol KC, Anna Sharma, Amalia Sharma and Abhishek Man Sherchan in lead roles. The movie directed by the ‘Hostel’ (watch ‘Hostel’ here) director Hemraj BC is produced under Falcon Pictures banner.

Story
The movie presents a story of a youth Xavier Rana, played by Anmol KC, from a rich family. For simplicity, he is popularly known as Jerryy. A lot of girls are attracted to Jerryy and he is sort of a playboy who enjoys life in every opportunity he gets. He tries not to get engaged in any particular girl for long until he meets Akanchha, played by Anna Sharma.


Akanchha and Jerryy met in Mustang when Jerryy was in a tour to Mustang. In the start Akanchha and Jerry don’t go along well but as the time passes, they fell in love. The movie is about the love and life of these two characters.

Star Cast
The director Hemraj had proved his appeal to the teenagers by his debut movie ‘Hostel‘ and ‘Jerryy’ is going to be another favorite of the youth viewers. He has rightly chosen the ‘Hostel’ actor Anmol to lead the movie.Anmol KC has improved and matured much in acting when compared to his debut movie. Well, it was an improvement to his already good acting his previous movie. In our previous review, we had predicted he will be ‘the next big star in Nepali film industry’ (Read ‘Hostel’ Review). In both movies Anmol is featured as a son of rich parents.

The actress Anna Sharma has done a great job in her debut movie. The beautiful actress attracts not only by her physical beauty but her acting and portraying of her character.

Strength and weakness
‘Jerry’ has a good story, heart touching music and good editing and screenplay. The background music sounds good, editing doesn’t have noticeable flaws. The sceneries of Pokhara and Mustang are awesome. The movie will surely promote the internal tourism by luring the viewers to the beautiful places. The movie binds the viewers in the seats by smooth flow of story, occasional cracks of jokes and sequences. I wish the second half of the movie was as funny and interesting as the first half. But, that doesn’t mean it is bad.

Talking about the weakness, acting and dialogue delivery of some of the actors are annoying. At times, the flow of events seem predictable. The pace in the first half half doesn’t hold in the second half.

Conclusion
The movie is a nice youth love story. The movie appeals youths and has spells to bind the viewers to the seat throughout the movie. The movie is good entertainment, good music and fun sequence.

Lazza – Movie Review

A Chhabiraj Films production, Nepali movie ‘Lazza’, is a female oriented movie by the writer, director Nawal Nepal. The movie released on October 24, 2014 features actors Shilpa Pokharel and Aryan Sigdel in lead roles. Supporting actors include Mithila Sharma and Kiran KC. The movie produced by Jidendra Shakya has music of Chetan Sapkota, choreography of Kabiraj Gahatraj, and editing of Ananta Thapaliya.

Story
The movie is a story of the lead character Priya (played by Shilpa Pokharel). When Daya (played by Aryan Sigdel) saw Priya, she was his love at first sight. Daya’s attempt to find more about Priya went in vain until he accidently meets Priya’s mom (played by Mithila Sharma).


Although Daya and Priya became closer, their affair didn’t go any further and Priya didn’t want to commit. She later revealed how a simple girl Parbati or Priya became Ashma, a call girl. She told about all the hardships and pressure she went through. I wouldn’t like to reveal what happens to the love story after she revealed the truth. Will Daya marry Priya? What do the friends and family suggest Daya to do? What was the reason behind Priya to become a prostitute?

Strength and Weakness
The movie has a strong lead character – Shilpa. The director Nawal Nepal has also written good screenplay and dialogue. The movie contains all the masala a typical Nepali movie contain to entertain a general movie goers.

The story in itself is old and predictable. Wounded by the failure of his last movie ‘Loafer’ Chhabi Raj Ojha seems reluctant to take any risks in ‘Lazza’ and has used tried and tested formula to make the movie just right. There is much to be desired from the action in the movie. The cinematography of Madan Kashyap Ghimire can be considered an average. Chetan Sapkota’s music, choreography of Kabiraj Gahatraj and Ananta Thapaliya’s editing are good.

There is nothing new or exciting for the viewers of the multiplex. But, the viewers in the single screen will surely love the masala in the movie.

Star Cast
For a new actress, Shilpa Pokharel has done a very good performance – better than expected. She is talented actress and she looks beautiful – two main ingredients to be a successful actress in Nepali film industry. Chhabi’s prediction that she might be the number one actress is based on the fact that she is a good actress.

Aryan Sigdel has done a good performance as a lover boy, as usual. As a mom, Mithila Sharma, also fits in perfectly. Actor Kiran KC has also done a very good job as the father.

The director Nawal Nepal, sometimes referred as another Shiva Regmi of Nepali film industry, has done a great job as the director. He has done a good job in screenplay and dialogues.

Media Buzz
The movie created a buzz in media by the marriage rumor of actress Shilpa and producer Chhabi Raj Ojha. Earlier in the year, a rumor of Chhabi proposing Shilpa had surfaced. In a recent interview, Chhabi told that he would gladly agree if Shilpa agrees to marry him.

Apart from the controversy, the movie had received a favorable media coverage for the music and trailers. The success of Nawal’s previous movies and Chhabi’s reputation of producing successful movies had also helped in increasing the expectations in the viewers. It is another story that Chhabi’s previous movie ‘Loafer’ wasn’t that successful.

Humjayega Strength and Weakness

A comedy movie ‘Humjayega’ was released in theater on November 21 with another movie ‘Shree 5 Ambare’. The movie features popular comedian Wilson Bikram Rai, Baboo Bogati, Parbati Rai, Reecha Dhital, Rabi Giri, Shyam Rai and Prajwal Giri in main roles. The movie directed by Surendr Pun is made under Munal Films banner.

The title of the movie was borrowed from the popular comedian of Darjeeling, Dal Bahadur Gurung (Humjayega.com). Dal Bahadur Gurung, a driver by profession, was called ‘Humjayega’ as he was willing to go anywhere to help people. But, the movie is not about Dal Bahadur but, of a similar person who would do anything to help others.

Story
Hum Jayega (Baboo Bogati) is an unemployed person who is quite frustrated for not getting a job. In a small hotel, another person, an owner of a bus, was complaining about a bus driver who didn’t show up. On the recommendation of the hotel owner, Humjayega got the job of a local bus driver. Humjayega meets a beautiful girl, Kanchi (Reecha Dhital), and falls in love. The movie is about the bus driver and how he tries to woo the girl.


The masala movie is full of humor and it can also be termed as a quite engaging comedy movie.

Strength and Weakness
One one of the biggest strength of the movie is the comedy. The movie is hilarious and fun to watch. The acting of the actors can also be termed as good. The movie is quite engaging and one won’t feel bored while watching the movie. The music is also good.

One of the biggest weakness is the story as the movie doesn’t have a clear story-line. If you are to watch the movie for fun and good laugh, you should keep your brain at home and enjoy the laughs.

Star Cast
Although Baboo Bogati is the leading character, Wilson Bikram Rai is the one who makes you laugh the most. Wilson’s (popularly known as Takme Budha after his television comedy) dialogue delivery and acting is superb. His dance is also very good.

Shree 5 Ambare Story

Shree 5 Ambare’ is a movie featuring Saugat Malla, Keki Adhikari, Bikram Singh, Priyanka Karki and Yama Buddha in main roles. The movie is directed by ‘Antaral’ famed director, Dipa Basnet and produced under her own home production, Jibansathi Films. The movie features the cinematography of Ganesh Kumar Shrestha, story of Abhimanyo Nirabi, editing of Chandan Dutt and concept and casting by Jibansathi Basnet.

The movie was released on November 21 with another movie ‘Humjayega’.

Story
The story of the movie is about the life of street children – commonly known as ‘khate’ kids. The life in street is not fun but, Ambar (Saugat Malla) and Kali (Keki Adhikari) meet and fell in love in their childhood on street. Ambar is left along in the street when Kali is taken away by a guy. She became a prostitute and lived a comfortable life while Ambar nourished his desire to become a king in the society.


In their youth, Kali and Ambar met again and renew their childhood love. Kali asks Ambar to leave the street life and live with her. Watch the movie to know if they can re-create the relationship. How does Ambar make himself the Shree 5 as the title suggest ? Watch the movie to know the answers.

Strength and Weakness
The flawless acting of the lead actors in the movie is one of the strength of the movie. Another plus point of the movie is the music. There are some nice jokes and feel-good scenes. The characters look real and impressive.
The story line is very sensitive topic – of street children. We see them everyday in street and many of the viewers know the hardship they go through. But, the director couldn’t take advantage of the leverage the topic could have created.

The first half of the movie is more confusing than anything. But, even after it started creating some grip in the second haft, there isn’t much thrilling and heart touching. The sluggish pace of story make it unpleasant to remain seated at times. To sum it up – it is an ordinary street children story without much twists and turns you would expect in a feature film. Weak screenplay and story has ruined a movie.

Star Cast
Both Keki Adhikari and Saugat Malla are the most talented actors in Nepali film industry. They have done the justification to their roles and look real. Saugat looks and sounds like a street guy and Keki looks and acts like a call girl. The performance of Fayne (Bikram Singh) was also impressive.

The director Dipa Basnet is the only female director who has directed her second movie after directing ‘Antaral’. Although Dipa’s first movie ‘Antaral’ was appreciated by many, it wasn’t successful in theater. When we talk of ‘Shree 5 Ambare’ the opposite is true – the movie is quite a disappointment.

Conclusion
The movie has tried to portray the lives of street children through talented actors. But, the flaw in the binding storyline has failed the movie. A documentary on street children might be more entertaining than this movie.

Tathastu Plot

Star Cast
The film featuring actress Rekha Thapa is the role of Basanti is directed by a well known director Shabir Shrestha. Unlike her nature of ignoring the films of out-of-house production, she promoted ‘Tathastu’ as if it were in-house production. In the film Rekha has done a good job. She has performed her action roles well. But, she could have done more than what she has in the film.

Subash Thapa as Kamal in negative role is a strong character and Subash has done justice to the role. The film can be considered one of the best one in terms of Subash’s acting. Kishor Khatiwada and other actors have also done justice to their roles.

Hit and Misses
The first half of the movie is entertaining and interesting. The viewers are quite engaged in the first half. But, in the second half the story falls apart and it doesn’t make much sense. Some of the good aspects of the film are Rekha Thapa’s action and the movies theme. But, weak script and flow has ruined the experience of the viewers. There is a break in link in different parts of the story. For example, Basanti, an uneducated girl all of a sudden starts teaching a senior education class. When she is being abuses, there are no signs in her character that show her fighting back characteristics.

The story could be made into a very strong film. But, the script has failed and it has fallen apart. The music