Kusume Rumal 2

Cast: Niraj Baral, Rubi Bhattarai, Usha Rajak, Tripti Nadekar

Director: Nirak Poudyal

Being screened at Gopi Krisnha

KATHMANDU: Kusume Rumal 2 begins with a group of youngsters having a blast with friends. Sohan (Niraj Baral) is a rich kid who hangs out with friends, flirts with girls, doesn’t attend classes — basically for him life is just for enjoyment. He has his own group of friends, and among them the tomboyish Jeni (Usha Rajak) is his ‘best’ friend. Then there is his neighbour Kusum (Rubi Bhattarai), sweet, innocent and studious yet strong in her own ways, popularly known as Pinky as she always wears pink.

Then one day she makes Sohan realise a mistake that he has made. From that day onwards he starts having feelings for her. Though love blossoms, it is not an easy journey for them as painful and disturbing situations await them over which they really don’t have any control.

The storyline is different. It has a young vibrant feel to it and as the story proceeds, from being comic it glides on to being serious and is quite convincing. It is the emotional aspect that is the strongest part of this movie.

The songs by Sauryajit Baskota have variety, from fast numbers to slow melodious tunes, and the movies special tune stays with you even as you leave the hall.

Niraj Baral has given a praiseworthy performance, though he portrays the romantic lover well, it is the emotional scenes he carries with aplomb. Rubi Bhattarai suits her innocent part but seems quite raw in many scenes. There is a space for improvement. Usha Rajak has given a fine performance, but unfortunately her character has not been well-defined. The supporting cast is also noteworthy.

However, one cannot help but notice the influences of Bollywood’s Karan Johar’s movies.

Though the story is believable, the pace at which it moves is at times difficult to comprehend. It just seems like one scene erupts after another with a smooth flow lacking in-between scenes. And there are a few jokes which are more crass than hilarious.

Though not an exemplary movie that breaks all barriers, Kusume Rumal 2 shows a path to the way that Nepali film directors have been professing of bringing about a change in the Nepali film industry. It has a certain refinement and change in the way of storytelling, the audience will find it refreshing, and will enjoy watching it.