Suntalilai Bhagai Lagyo Jhilkeley

Genre: Social Drama

Director: Rishi Raj Acharya

Cast: Sushant Karki, Sushil Sitaula, Shishir Bhandari, Surajani KC, Riza Bhushal and Sushil Pokharel

Being screened at QFX Cinemas

Kathmandu

Bale (Sushant Karki) and Suntali (Surajani KC) are a newly married couple. To pay off their debt, Bale goes to India to earn money on Lahure dai’s (Shishir Bhandari) suggestion, leaving Suntali behind. While Bale is away in India, Lahure dai misbehaves with Suntali where Jhilkey (Sushil Sitaula) comes to save her. Then due to difficult circumstances, Suntali elopes with Jhilkey in front of everyone. When Bale returns after some years, the conflict between the three rises.

The story is based on the socio-economic aspect of the western region of Nepal. The story, which extends over a decade, has been presented using authentic elements like the use of Nepali Khas language, lahure custom, superstition, jaar system (when wife elopes, the present husband pays moneys to ex-husband), pakha sarne (girl is kept in a barn during her menstruation), use of paisa to buy goods, et cetera.

There are many things going on in the film and Rishi Raj Acharya as a director has produced only a mediocre film. His direction is not fresh. The narration is typical where the first-half revolves around the same old problems of the Nepali society, while Jhilkey brings thrill and adventure in the second-half. As the film develops, it does have some elements of suspense as well as humour to entertain the audience.

And Suntalilai Bhagai Lagyo Jhilkeley is a story of a bygone old era, but the film fails to transport the audience to that era. The setting of village looks like that of today’s and the costumes worn, except that of the lead characters, are not so convincing either. The scene in the title song gives retro feel with actors donning costumes of the 60s look — bell-bottom pants and the likes.

Even the story line is not convincing in some parts. When Jhilkey accepts that he and Suntali are in love, the villagers let them elope easily. But in fact, Jhilkey  and Suntali should have been severely punished. Similarly, when Bale comes back to the village in a new avatar — wearing bell-bottom pants and shirt, everybody recognises him which seems unconvincing.

But it has quite a good team of actors. Karki, as a respectable son and angry husband, has acted well. Sitaula as a lover boy steals the show with his natural acting.  Bhandari as the cunning antagonist is apt and able to infuse terror. KC’s acting as Suntali is noteworthy. And veteran actor Pokharel as the cruel Mukhiya is as good as always.

When it comes to music, songs like Teejai Ma Lai Lai will make you want to dance while the title song Suntalilai Bhagai Lagyo Jhilkeley is good.