If you are the type to dissect a movie based on its technical finesse, then you will find a lot of things wrong with
Indreni Khojdai Jada (Chasing Rainbows), a feature by Sahara Sharma which was judged the best fiction film in the Nepali Panorama at the recently concluded
Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival.
The poor post production makes this 88 minute long feature far from an easy viewing experience. The camera work is shaky and one wonders whether there would have been a different outcome had the makers spent more than a month on shooting. But where Sharma strikes gold is in her storytelling. It is simple and resonates with the audience, so much so that we are willing to overlook the glitches and accept one of the most honest movies of our times.
The film revolves around three siblings who come to Kathmandu with the hopes of making it big. From the first scene, where the siblings are shown talking about their dreams of leaving the dingy two bedroom apartment and moving someplace better where they won’t have to worry about getting through each month with Rs 3,000, we are drawn into their lives. Instantly we feel for them and this connection deepens with the unfolding of each individual story.
The eldest played by Sanam Pyakurel is the responsible one, keeping track of the monthly expenses and making sure everyone saves enough for the long awaited television set. In the youngest sister’s role is first time actor Kritika Lamsal, who is perhaps the biggest dreamer with hopes of landing in the US on a diversity visa. Her attempts at perfecting the American accent make for some of the most heartwarming scenes in the movie.
The brother (Dipak Ghimire) is an underachieving student who dreams of owning a television so he can have his friends over for live football matches. Ghimire is perfect in his role as the playful brother whom everyone loves to hate and squabble with. His repeated suicide attempts (in consultation with Google) which include drinking Mentos candies and Coke are hilarious. Ghimire’s character is the most well sculpted with Sharma balancing his funny antics with moments of deep reflection and emotion thereby avoiding over-the-top performances.
After numerous short movies, Indreni Khojdai Jada marks the wonderful silver screen debut of the talented filmmaker Sahara Sharma who has donned the hat of writer, director, and cinematographer for this particular movie. Our wait for a good storyteller has finally come to a dreamy end.
Bhrikuti Rai