There have been enough examples to show that comedy and romantic movies do well in Nepal. When these movies are on, producers feel that a return on their investment is guaranteed. But when it comes to making a movie that does not fit into the two genera, the risk of failure at the box office multiplies.
There are some who are brave enough to take that risk and make movies that aren’t the ‘mainstream.’ These movies try to tackle issues that are begging for attention. Pandit Bajeko Lauri is a film that shows the audience a glimpse of life in Nepal’s villages.
The movie revolves around the life of Sitaram (Praween Khatiwada) who is a respected pandit in the village and his lauri (a stick which he uses when performing rituals). The story takes a turn when Chaite (Pramod Agrahari) comes to the village to end the badi practice which is still prevalent in the village. For that, he has to take on the popular pandit ji and change the way people look at lower caste women in the village.
The first half of the film is quite enjoyable with the director showing how respected pandits are in Nepal. The movie shows how people look at pandits and also touches a bit on the badi practice. The film shows the audience how men use their wives to earn a living and how casteism still exists in society. The first half ends on a cliff-hanger which makes the second part even more interesting as it revolves around Sitaram, Chyante, and Mandira (Sandhya KC)– all of them facing a life-changing situation. Though the movie does tend to drift away a bit in the second half, it still makes for a good watch.
The best thing about the movie is the story. It flows at a good pace as it takes us on a journey. Unlike other films, the story of this flick is quite original and as gives all actors the chance to show their talent. Writer Mahesh Dawadi has penned a great story which highlights the backwardness of people living in the villages of Nepal. But that said, the writer could have gone deeper into the issue and that would have given the audience more insight.
The actors seem to have put in an extra effort to do justice to the unique story. Khatiwada is good in his role as pandit as he keeps the audience hooked with his light humour and his mature acting. Apart from his fighting scenes and dancing, he’s done a good job.
Sandhya KC also stands out in the movie where she has delivered a powerful performance. Her acting is natural as her dialogue delivery is as good as any in the film. Her show of emotions also stands out as she plays the role of a woman who is being forced to sleep with other men by her husband.
Bijay Baral is funny as badi kancha and has played a role which is different to the ones he’s played before. Apart from some of his emotional scenes, he too has done a decent job.
Supporting actors Bholaraj Sapkota, Mariska Pokharel, Anupama Bhandari, Lokendra Lekhak have done an okay job in their respective roles. They could have been better. Pokharel plays the role of a mute girl and has done a decent job. Sapkota, though, could have done better in his role as Sitaram’s half-brother along with his aides who are not as natural actors as others.
The cinematography is as good. The songs are quite bland and this is one of the two flaws in the film, along with the action sequences. The fight scenes are so bad that they will make you laugh. Another area that Nepali filmmakers need to look at is the level of audio in the dialogues. The audio levels are too high which makes one cringe.
Overall, the movie is a good watch. It is one of few Nepali movies which do not revolve around a boy or a girl or money or all three. This movie has tried to address an issue that isn’t talked about much and this makes this movie different.
Run Time: 120 minutes
Genre: Social Drama
Director: Dipak Oli
Cast: Pramod Agrahari, Bijay Baral, Sandhya KC, Praween Khatiwada
Screening in cinemas near you.
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