New faces, too, do impressive jobs. Nikun Shrestha is a welcome addition to Nepali films and the presence of Robin Tamang (of Robin and the New Revolution) has definitely brought in more publicity for the film.Kameshwor Chaurasiya is another good actor and Bipin Karki elicits laughter as the skinny, comical Bindu. [break]
The story begins like this. A young man (Nikun Shrestha) returns from America to his hometown of Chitwan. As he fails to find a satisfying job, he spends much of his time with childhood friends (Kameshwor Chaurasiya and Bipin Karki) who acquaint him with Chitwan’s notorious Royal Gang (Robin Tamang, Arpan Thapa, Dayahang Rai, and Namrata Shrestha).
As the film’s pace heightens, we see the young man’s descent from a bystander to the heart of the criminal world.
It’s safe to say that Nigam Shrestha’s Chhadke was one of the most awaited Nepali films. Ever since its star cast and the trailer were revealed to the public, which has only recently acquired a taste for Nepali cinema, it was waiting on tenterhooks for the film’s release.
Director Shrestha should have limited his story to the world of gangsters, illegal poaching and political hooligans. Instead, the audience has to sit through more than half of the film trying to understand the purpose of Saugat Malla’s presence. We’re introduced to him during the first few minutes of the film when he’s heading to Chitwan for his research on plants. But then, his character seems neither here nor there while the film moves on. Of course, his presence is justified in the latter half but somehow connecting it with first half of the film is a dreary job.
Robin Tamang’s character should have been stamped with more authority. While his performance was pleasing, his character failed to justify the hype and expectation generated during the last few months.
The bike-riding, chain-smoking and gun-wielding Namrata Shrestha gives a performance that has improved since her last film.
Arpan Thapa, sporting his moustache, dark glasses and a scarf, was hardly recognizable in the film posters, and he continues to work on making his craft better.
Saugat Malla’s might not be a relevant role but as always, it’s hard not to appreciate the talents of the actor.
The film’s cinematography credits are given to Sanjay Lama and Hari Ghale, and there are plenty of wonderful moments in the film. The much admired Night Band’s “Ek Kan Dui” is a soothing musical story.
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