• FILM REVIEW
KATHMANDU, AUGUST 12
In an effort to address the pressing issue of youth migration, director and producer Ramji Gnawali has released his latest short film 'LILAMI'.
The film highlights the escalating problem of youth migration from Nepal, a country grappling with instability and high unemployment rates. The movie is short, but very meaningful.
The gripping narrative of 'LILAMI' revolves around the challenges faced by Nepali youths who are compelled to leave their homeland in search of better opportunities. The film offers a poignant exploration of how instability in the nation and lack of employment have prompted a significant portion of the youths to seek greener pastures abroad.
The cast of 'LILAMI' includes seasoned actors, including Mahesh Khadka, Sabina Raut, Deepak Dhakal, Narayan Kandel, Rajesh Bhattarai, Sudin Shrestha and Shibu Pandey.
The film is brought to life through the lens of director of photography Sankalp Bhujel, with Gopal Ray as the assistant cinematographer. The editing is skillfully handled by Nahakul Khadka, while the emotive impact is further enhanced by Rubin Magar's evocative background music.
Behind the scenes, the creative force of the film is guided by the storytelling prowess of Pawan Bashyal who has crafted a narrative that resonates with the audience. The post-production efforts are spearheaded by Ramro Entertainment, ensuring a seamless and captivating final product. The dedication and hard work of the team are evident in every aspect of the film. Krishna Rimal serves as the assistant director, Bhumiraj Thapa as the recordist, and Rajendra Moktan as the mastermind behind the colour grading. Makeup by Saroj Pandey adds authenticity to the characters, while Yubaraj Ghimire efficiently manages the production process as the production manager.
Jeevan Bhandari takes on the role of executive producer. Director and producer Gnawali, known for his previous work in producing music videos and short films, Dark Moon, Ek lover, Honeymoon, Aaradhya, among others, as well as his role as a media manager for renowned celebrities in Nepal, is now embarking on an international journey with his upcoming docudrama.Gnawali hopes to shed light on the struggles and aspirations of Nepali youths while raising awareness about the crucial issue of youth migration.
"In the hustle of modern life, people often miss out on experiencing the authenticity of today's meaningful cinema. Our attempt is to showcase narratives that reflect our society, fostering a deeper connection through filmmaking," said Gnawali, adding, "Moreover, LILAMI has the potential to globally spotlight Nepali movies, cuisine, attire and lifestyle."
The film is poised to captivate audiences with its compelling narrative and stellar performances.
A version of this article appears in the print on August 13, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
