Captivating Pooja
KESH B MALLA

TKP, Mar.24, 10

If you’re someone who’s always complaining that Nepali films are not original , Pooja, written and directed by Deepak Rauniyar of Chaukaith (Threshold) fame, could be a good way to change your mind.

Pooja is the story of an early marriage between a 17-year-old Thakuri girl, Pooja (played by newcomer Priyansha Singh Thakuri) who falls in love and gets married with Rumihang, a Rai boy of a similar age played by Aaditya Gurung amid discontent and disapproval of their families. Pooja and Rumy are deeply in love and happily married, but Rumy has to leave Pooja back home with his mother to go to Hong Kong for work. Pooja is pregnant, and because she was married at an early age, she does not understand the need of the necessary care required.

The beauty of the film lies in its fine presentation of a story that is part of the lives of many women across Nepal. Apart from the crisp editing, natural performances by new actors Priyansha and Aaditya hold the film together, making it a fitting reflection of contemporary Nepali society.

The film starts with a heart-wrenching funeral, which is able to arouse emotions from the very first moment itself; but the movie ends with a seemingly happy scene where a father is shown carrying his child on his back and planting a banana tree—showing how the world must continue despite its adversities.

Produced by the BBC World Service Trust Nepal, the 60-minute film tries to address the issues of early marriage and pregnancy at an early age, and maternal health. The film also portrays the social conditions of inter-caste marriage and gender bias in child rearing practices across Nepal, without mentioning it explicitly.

Though originally intended for a social cause, unlike many other development oriented docu- dramas, Pooja entertains the viewers to the fullest with a beautifully woven teenage love story and use of typical and informal tone in the language. The movie has both serious and hilarious moments, which keep the viewers engaged throughout the length of the film.

Shot in the inner Tarai, the cinematography by Jyotikeshar Singh is quite enthralling, with Kutumba’s music providing a perfect background score to the film.

Pooja is a must watch for anyone who thinks Nepali films are a waste of time.