Kathmandu

With an old story line — cousins’ marriage, cousin’s right over uncle’s daughter, a love triangle and childhood friendship, Shabda is nothing more than a fusion of two Nepali hit movies— Kabaddi and Bir Bikram, and Bollywood classic Shor.

Shabda unfolds with Prem’s (Anubhav Regmi) accident when he loses his voice. Prem’s father Moti (Saugat Malla) is a shepherd and lives in the mountains with Prem.

Prem again meets with an accident when he is leaving home as he is furious with Moti. Finally, Moti finds Prem, but he falls sick while taking him to the hospital. Moti then recalls the past ...

Moti and Lahure (Roy Deep Shrestha), both fall in love with Kashi (Kamali Waiba). On the one hand, Kashi is already booked by Lahure because she is her uncle’s daughter. On the other hand, Moti is Kashi’s childhood friend as well as Lahure’s best friend (gaathi). When Moti is rejected as he is from the so-called ‘untouchable’ caste, Kashi is ready to marry Lahure. However, it is discovered that she is pregnant, and Lahure leaves Kashi.

Director Santosh Siwakoti has used the flashback technique to tell the story. However, Shabda reminds one of Kabaddi and Bir Bikram in almost every scene — be it the three motorcycle-riding friends or drinking and fighting scenes, the compelling attitude of Lahure towards Kashi to get her love, and of course mountain setting — everything is repeated. However, the presentation is not dull. Siwakoti tries to keep the suspense, but only the ending is surprising.

Writer Yam Thapa, who had also penned Bir Bikram, has only added the flavour of child character in the story which seems highly inspired by Shor. Like in Shor, Prem loses his voice in an accident and Moti eagerly waits to hear Prem’s voice again. The other social issues — untouchables, caste system, cousins marrying one another and domination against women — there is an attempt to address all these.

Malla as Moti has done a decent job. In the few emotional scenes, he has nailed it, otherwise, he is decent. Waiba as Kashi reminds us of Kabbadi’s Maiya. She is nothing more than the love interest of the two boys. Shrestha as Lahure has given an average performance, and Regmi as Prem looks nice.

The landscape of the mountains and sheep grazing look amazing. The cinematography is the best part of the film which reminds us how beautiful our country is. Cinematographer Shiva Dhakal has done an excellent job.

Composers Rajan Raj Siwakoti and Suresh Gaire’s composition Guleli Le Hanideuki is a dancing beat and philosophical song Harpal Ruwauchha Dunia is soothing.