My straight answer is: NO!
Kagbeni is one of two first Nepali digital cinemas directed by Bhusan Dahal. Even if you don’t care about Nepali television or music videos, its unlikely that you haven’t heard his name. From Nepal Television’s Sunday Pop to Kantipur Television’s top post, Dahal has a long history in the glamour media and is, no doubt, one of the best music video directors of the country.
Even to watch his music videos is a treat itself. But when he moved to big screen, with Kagbeni, he did some good things but failed to live the expectations – at least for me, and a dozen of people around me at the theatre.
Something that I liked most in the cinema are among others no use of Hindi terms by the actors (sadly true for many other Nepali movies); the brilliant cinematography that was backed by Dahal’s realistic approach and the Nepaliness. And, is there anymore?
The theme of the movie is ’Be Careful for What You Wish For’ and the storyline is derived from The Monkey’s Paw which is beautifully put into Nepali context. But is the story so strong enough to make a movie in 2008? I believe no. The attempt of the movie to gain a realistic theme through a unrealistic storyline is a fallacy in itself.
And, the audience suffer the attempt to lengthen a short story into a full length two-hour long movie with yawns and changing of sitting position. The weaker story make the whole effort of direction, screenplay, cinematography and acting (which is brilliant as far as I am concerned) look unnecessary.
The closing remark of the young man seated behind me: Since the name is Kagbeni, I should have understood its a Kage (unrealistic) movie!
I believe if you have been lately bored by seeing too much Bollywood imitation in Nepali movie, its a must watch! But if you are one who needs a fast pace story, just ignore it.
