Kathmandu

The one thing that is constant in life is change. With new people coming in and some exiting leading to a series of events, your life is never the same. And Highway to Dhampus is one such beautiful story of change. Elizabeth (Rachel Hurd-Wood), Colt (Gunner Wright), Ajit (Raj Ballav Koirala) and Laxmi (Suesha Rana ) meet when Elizabeth has to travel to Ghandruk for some image changing charity work. In the next two visits, they become closer and they slowly change, changing each other.

Highway to Dhampus depicts the change elegantly, subtly and eloquently. Written and directed by Rick McFarland, the film is real and life-provoking. It is a simple intriguing story and there is no hurry to unravel. It flows like a river. It has different elements — happiness, sorrow, humour and realities of life that help you to connect with the film. Some dialogues — like “we look at the sky but we walk on the ground” — are stirring and inspiring.

Complementing the realistic story are the actors who have done justice to their characters. The leads — Hurd-Wood, Wright, Koirala and Rana are natural and expressive. They have neither over done nor underperformed, their performances are just right. But it is the character of Koirala as Ajit who is lovable. This character adds life to the film. The supporting cast that include Deshbhakta Khanal have supported them perfectly to give a complete performance.

McFarland has kept everything real and natural. This also includes the film’s tone. It has a warm desaturated look lending authenticity and dimension to the story.

However, what is missing in the film is the depth of characters. Each character has a story but what is told is not quite enough. If that little had been provided, it would have lent that extra dimension to the changes the characters go through. Also, the Nepali translation is missing.

The Nepali dialogues have been subtitled in English, but Nepali subtitle is not there which is necessary if the

movie is for all the Nepali audience.

The gorgeous cinematography that captures the mountains and landscape make you forget everything. It is a real treat for the eyes. The director sure is in love with Nepal. He doesn’t leave any moment to capture the mountains in the frame, be it on the backdrop or in a single frame. Crowded Kathmandu and village lives have also made to the films.

Nepal has really come through in the film. And the Nepali music consisting of tunes of bamboo flute and Nepali percussion enhances the beauty and essence of Nepal in the movie. The use of music score is apt and as per sequences.

Highway to Dhampus is a beautiful film. So, take a trip to the nearby theatres.

Highway to Dhampus

Genre: Drama

Director: Rick

McFarland

Cast: Raj Ballav Koirala, Suesha Rana, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Gunner Wright and

Deshbhakta Khanal

Being screened at

theatres near you