NATIONAL8 (Spotlight Weekly]

Thrills From The Past

Based on renowned novel by Diamond SJB Rana, director Nir Shah's latest venture Basanti hits the theaters in Kathmandu

By ARUNA SINGH PRADHAN

Basanti has the best of everything that Nepalese cinema has to offer to its audiences. It is a combined product of the work of top director Nir Shah, music composer Shambhujeet Baskota, actor Rajesh Hamal and actresses Karishma Manandhar and Gauri Malla. What more, its story is based on the popular novel based on history written by Diamond SJB Rana.

This film shows the circumstances and events that led to the introduction of Rana regime which ruled the country with iron hand for 104 years. Historical moments like the Kot massacre of 1903 BS are pictured to give an in-depth explanation of Nepal's past.

It narrates the one and a half century old political scenario where a weak King favors his youngest queen Rajendra Laxmi Devi played by Gauri Malla. The Queen wants her own son posted as heir to the throne of Nepal against the wish of the King and other officials of the Royal Palace who favor Prince Surendra, the eldest son of King Rajendra.

To fulfill her ambition, the Queen anltivates an influential Bhardar (palace official) Gagan Singh. Kaji Gagan Singh (played by Rajesh Hamal) makes a meteoric rise within the then political establishment. Conspiracies and counter-conspiracies begin to be hatched with one section trying to fulfil the Queen's wish and another trying to clip the ever-increasing powers of Gagan Singh.

The mysterious murder of Gagan Singh fuels intense emotions leading ultimately to countless murders of people in high posts in Kot (palace court). This infamous Kot massacre marks the beginning of rise of Jung Bahadur who subsequently goes on to become not only the all-powerful Prime Minister but also the Shree 3 Maharaja.

The love between Basanti (a simple country girl played by Karishma Manandhar) and Kaji Gagan Singh is another basis of this historical film. The long distance relationship and different emotions that evolves during that time period are well captured by the actors. Their unpredictable love story keeps the audience at the edge of the seat. Sambhujeet's melodious songs enhances the height of the moment with numbers like "Meri Basanti".

This film about love and durbar politics is the most recent project of Neer Shah. He is also the co-producer of the Oscar-nominee Caravan and director of hit films like "Basudev" and "Rajamati" (Newari movie). Like his previous projects, Basanti is a well-made film.

Basanti is also successful in bringing to life the pasts of Nepalese history and culture. The costume, language and values of nearly two-century old Nepalese society is vividly portrayed in the film.