Riyal Ringgit portrays Nepalis’ painful struggles in Gulf countries

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug,1; Riyal Ringgit, which will be released nationwide this Friday, had its grand premiere in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

The film portrays the painful reality and struggles of Nepalis who are compelled to go to Gulf countries in search of employment. 

The title itself carries strong symbolism Riyal and Ringgit, the currencies of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia respectively emphasising the core theme of migration.

 Director Bibhor Pokharel has brought this sensitive issue to life through his direction, while producer Gagan Lal Pradhan aims to bring the plight of migrant workers to the centre of national discourse.

Many attendees expressed their emotional reaction after watching the film. 

The film features realistic and powerful scenes that recall the tragic incident of the kidnapping and merciless murder of 12 Nepalis in Iraq in August 2004. 

Veteran actor Madan Krishna Shrestha became deeply emotional after watching the film in the premiere. He said, “Watching this film makes your heart ache for the country. I was performing on stage the day those 12 Nepalis were killed in Iraq. 

I couldn’t express that pain to the audience then. The film brought back that memory. The state should not only open doors to go abroad but also create pathways to return. Unless we create a conducive environment at home, millions of Nepalis will continue to leave and may never come back.”

Pramod Chaulagain and Nita Dhungana have done the lead roles in the movie. 

The supporting cast includes Chhulthim Dolma Gurung, Rabindra Khadka, Dhruba Koirala, Prem Subba, Ramchandra Adhikari, Roshan Shrestha, Ishwari Baral, Bimala Giri, Seema KC, Sandeep Tamang, Subash Thapa Magar, and Bishal Thapa.

The screenplay is written by Pradeep Bhardwaj.

The film was shot in Rajasthan (India), Chitwan, Kathmandu, and Letang. 

The action sequences were directed by Roshan Shrestha, cinematography was directed by Hari Ghale while Bipin Mall is the editor.  

Meanwhile, advance ticket booking for the film has already begun.

 According to the distributor, the film has secured around 100 shows in major theatres across the country, including Nepal’s largest multiplex chain QFX Cinemas and the INI Cinemas.