On screen: Mission Paisa

KATMANDU, May 22: If there was any film people waited so much to see after Bhusan Dahal’s “Kagbeni” and Alok Nembang’s “Sano Sansar,” it was “Mission Paisa,” which is directed by Simos Sunuwar. Despite its shooting being over two years ago, “Mission Paisa,” however, didn’t get screening dates at cinema halls either in or out of Kathmandu. [break]



And when it finally got the date, it had to deal with the Maoist YCL. It warned Sunuwar not to screen the movie on the given date because they wanted to screen their own “Bidroha” during it. So Sunuwar bought the production of “Bidroha” to screen his “Mission Paisa.” Finally, from today, “Mission Paisa” is screened at most cinema halls of Nepal. Even Bishwa Jyoti Cinema Hall in Kathmandu is positive about giving dates to the film.







Like “Kagbeni” and “Sano Sansar,” “Mission Paisa” is also a different-format film, shot with HD camera and concentrating on presentation and style.



“Kagbeni” was commercially a flop; it couldn’t even manage to recoup its budget. “Sano Sansar” did fine in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Dharan, and Biratnagar but didn’t make profits.




For Nepali film audience, still addicted to watching stereotype films, these two films were not their type. “Mission Paisa” is the next film to look up to, and people have high expectations of it. Having watched the film, I must say it’s not disappointing.



In its approach, the film brings something unique, something people haven’t seen before in Nepali films. Again, if you start comparing “Mission Paisa,” which is an action-packed film, to Bollywood and Hollywood movies, you’ll start complaining a lot about it. But while comparing it with other Nepali films that are released every week, “Mission Paisa” is a great relief. At moments, you feel like you’re watching a Nepali version of Matrix. Sunuwar needs special mention for at least trying to be experimental with graphic effects. Despite some of his skills not being up to the mark, he has, however, done a nice job because at least he dared to think out of box and has something not tried before. Maybe it’s because he comes from music videos that helped him to direct a commercial cinema.



Will “Mission Paisa” break the box office record or not is yet to be seen. But it has many plusses for which you need to go to a theater. This action movie does justice to its screenplay, and the storyline is balanced. There’s basically a smooth flow in the film. For technical aspects, its graphic effects make this film a must-see one. Action director Himal KC has done a tremendous job once again. You get to see a lot of new fight sequences, which don’t look overdone and go suitably with the characters. KC has always come up with unique styles. Earlier, it was “Mausam” wherein he awed the audience with his action scenes. In “Mission Paisa,” he has composed much better fights.



The characters are also chosen carefully. Nikhil Uprety doesn’t just fight eloquently, he looks graceful even as a graduating college stud. And this must be Uprety’s first film that has him delivering a lot of dialogues. In his other films, Uprety hardly speaks and is seen only doing action scenes.



Model Amir Gautam superbly suits his character in a negative role while another actor, Suraj R.D., is just fine in his role.



It seems that Nepali silver screen will see a lot of heroines in action roles soon. After films like “Aandhi Toofan,” “Ma Timi Bina Marihaalchhu,” “Jungle Queen,” and “Himmat” where heroines did action scenes in abundance, “Mission Paisa” also has heroines fighting against villains. Nisha Adhikary and Ayusha Basnet have done tremendous jobs in showing some clean martial art moves in the film.



Sunil Thapa also steals the show, though his role is a brief one.



Another plus point in the film is its background score. Suman Thapaliya of Glitters Studio has worked hard because this film has much more than typecast sounds like “dhisum-dhisum” and “ghintang-ghintang.” The sound mixing is done carefully, making this film unique in its own ways. Following its genre – action – the movie has given least priority to unwanted dance numbers and cheesy romantic songs.



The cinematography of Roshan Shrestha and Hari Humagain is worth praising. At least, the displays are clear and the green effects go well with the screenplay. There are also no gray dots and black and white lines in its projection.



Though this movie has a lot of new things into it, it’s yet doubtful to predict whether or not “Mission Paisa” will be a commercial hit, as audiences outside Kathmandu will take time to digest such sort of film. But surely, it’s worth watching for those asking for a change in Nepali films.



avash@myrepublica.com

Related story

Government preparing to purchase iron pills that cost 40 paisa...