'Mohar' voices against Deuki tradition

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 28: Nepali film 'Mohar' primarily raises its voice against the malpractice of Deuki. Produced by Chumban Jung Shahi, the film written and directed by Om Prateek, is set in old Nepal and revolves around unwritten rules and a love story.

The story starts depicting the parliamentary election of 2022 in Bajhang district. It portrays how the Deuki tradition is invoked both to safeguard the reputation of Sarkar Chand’s influence and to fulfill his son’s wishes. Actor Pal Shah, in the role of Shival, stands in opposition to this practice.

In the middle of the narrative, Pal Shah and actress Niti Shah’s romance is shown in flashback. Pal’s friendship with Benisha Hamal gradually transforms into a struggle against the Deuki system, which eventually blossoms into love.

Pal Shah, Arjun Jung Shahi, Benisha Hamal, and Niti Shah play the lead roles, while Mithila Sharma, Laxmi Giri, Rabindra Jha, and Sushil Devkota appear in supporting roles. Om Pratik’s writing and direction, along with Suresh Adhikari’s music, are of a fairly adequate level.

Giriraj Ghimire’s cinematography is ok. Arjun Jung Shahi, Benisha Hamal, and Laxmi Giri deliver outstanding performances, while Pal Shah and Niti Shah are adequate. Rabindra Jha’s double-meaning dialogues generate cheap humour, and such lines recur throughout the film. 

The songs are melodious, and Pal Shah excels in dance sequences. Although the subject matter is realistic, the film itself is not a work of realism.