Aktor: Take One: Modern twist to classic theme

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Feb. 7

Nepali film, Aktor: Take One. is a refreshing step forward, taking inspiration from classic themes while giving them a modern twist. While the film may echo familiar stories of gold smuggling and romance, it manages to bring new energy and charm to a traditional genre, making it an enjoyable experience for moviegoers.

The film kicks off with Mahesh Tripathi narrating the story of three key characters Kushal, Prerna and Prakriti to director Nischal Basnet. At the heart of the story is Kushal (Pradeep Khadka), a young man with big dreams of becoming a superstar. His ambition is to gain both fame and fortune and even though no one tells him to, he boldly declares himself a superstar. The narrative follows his journey as he strives to make it big, navigating through various challenges and obstacles along the way.

Kushal, hailing from a middle-class family, is supported by his mother (Sirjana Adhikari), who works in a beauty parlour but ensures that he never feels the lack of anything. While his financial situation is not very strong, Kushal’s love for good clothes and accessories adds a quirky charm to his character. One day, he gets the chance to make his dream come true and step onto the big stage. However, the journey is far from smooth, with twists and turns awaiting him.

When director Vivek (Divyadev) is arrested in a gold smuggling case, the movie takes a new twist. Even from behind bars, Vivek continues to guide Kushal with clever tricks to uncover the gold smuggler. In his search, Kushal travels to Pokhara, where he meets Prerna (Divya Rayamajhi), the beautiful daughter of a businessman, Dhirjang (Rajballabh Koirala). A love story blossoms between them, adding a layer of romance to the plot. 

Meanwhile, Kushal’s love life gets complicated with the presence of Prakriti (Ana Sharma), and the film takes the audience through an engaging love triangle. How Kushal manages his relationships and uncovers the gold smuggling mystery is the heart of the story, leading to a captivating and unpredictable ride. 

Director Rajan Bhusal’s work shines in presenting an engaging narrative that is filled with excitement and suspense. Although the film stretches the story to set up future potential sequels, it keeps the audience hooked with its commercial appeal and relatable themes. For fans of thrilling narratives and dramatic turns, Aktor: Take One provides the right blend of entertainment and emotional depth.

The performances are one of the film's strongest points. Raj Ballav Koirala’s return to the screen is a welcome treat, and his portrayal of Dhirjang brings a refreshing dynamic to the film. Pradeep Khadka’s portrayal of Kushal is convincing, and his dedication to the role is clear, while Ana Sharma’s performance as Prakriti is heartfelt and genuine. Divya Rayamajhi, though a newcomer, makes an impact with her subtle yet meaningful performance. Supporting actors like Pradeep Kumar Chaudhary and Badal Bhatt also add depth to the overall narrative.

The film’s screenplay is well-crafted, and the dialogues are delivered with sincerity, ensuring that the movie-goers leave the theatre feeling entertained and satisfied. While Nepali cinema continues to evolve, Aktor: Take One successfully demonstrates the potential for innovation within traditional formats.