February 24, 2006

Dealing with contemporary issue of social conflict, “ Nepal ” is a movie with a number of unique features

By A CORRESPONDENT

A dancing sequence

In recent years there have been growing trend of Nepali filmmakers to visit abroad to show their films to the Nepali diaspora spread across the globe. The United States , with a handsome number of Nepali inhabitants, has been their preferred destination. The working Nepalis in the US are fast becoming a force to reckon with. As students, workers and businessmen, Nepalis in USA have been able to carve a separate niche – a Nepal out of Nepal .

Naturally, products like music and film do now have markets outside the geographical frontiers. The large community of Nepalis workers in the Gulf, Malaysia , the US , and the European countries have the willingness and capacity to indulge in entertainment products from their home country.

On this backdrop it is satisfactory that a film is now being made that not only targets the domestic audience but the overseas audience, particularly in the US , as well. “ Nepal – the Himalayan Kingdom ” is a film dealing with the most contemporary of issues – the social conflict haunting the nation.

The shooting of the film has also been done in the US . Three producers – the US-based Nepali actor Sudhanshu Joshi, Nirmal Sharma and Rajan Shahi – have joined hands in producing this new venture.

“We have been very meticulous in choosing the script. Our only intention is to provide a movie with a social message – that we all must work together for the peace and prosperity of our nation,” said Nirmal Sharma, who has produced a number of films like Angarakshak in the past.  

Joshi Flanked by Luitel (right) and Mainali

The film shows a young Nepali who after having lived for years in the US returns to his home only to find everything shattered and destroyed. Frustrated at seeing the mindless destruction, the young man decides to return to US. But his conscience doesn’t let him off so easily. The sense of patriotism and duty towards his community is so overwhelming that he returns back from the airport with the singular intention of serving his community.

“Before choosing the theme of film, we had done interactions in both Nepal and the US . Common people, professors, historians, politicians and businessmen were invited to such interactions. Based on their advice, the story was chosen,” said Sharma.

The film is a multi-starrer one. It has Rajesh Hamal, Sudhansu Joshi, Sanchita Luitel, Sajja Mainali, Dhiren Shakya acting in leading characters.

There are five script-writers: Suraj Subba, Maunta Shrestha, Kishore Dhakal, Sanu Shakya and Dayaram Dahal. The film is directed by Dahal. “We are preparing to release it by the end of March this year,” said Sharma.

As the film deals with the present social conflict, the makers have had to tackle a wide array of subjects. “We have paid equal attention to technical aspect, location selection for shooting and outfits,” adds Sharma.