The Nepali film ‘Chhakkka Punja 3′ makes a dominant statement on Nepal education system.
I am in Kathmandu, attending ‘A Forum for Reflections and Action – Education for Public Good in South Asia’ organised by the Centre for Educational Policies and Practices’ Nepal and supported by Aid-et-Action. The schedule read, viewing of Nepali Film ‘Chhakka Punja 3’. It is an understatement to say that I was apprehensive of possible experience, wondering if it will be worth the efforts.
CHHAKKA PUNJA 3, deals with political power and its control over education. It reflects on the hold of the public schools on Nepali system. Set in a rural area, it in a satirical way lays bare the situation. The conflict between Public and Private schools along with the politicians favouring Private school is the main subject. It shows how a single person in conflict with the situation can create a wave of change. No doubt it resonates with the audience.
CHHAKKA PUNJA 3- REDEFINES SUCCESS
In India with a population of 1.2 billion-plus, we celebrate 100 crore and a film lasting more than two weeks.
Tonight, the team of ‘Chhakkka Punja 3’ is celebrating their 51 days of successful screening and an earning of 18 crores. This from a three-crore population with 74 recognised dialects. ‘Chhakka Punja 3’ is breaking the Nepal box-office record set of ‘Chhakkka Punja’, the first in the series.
Maybe Indian producers and scriptwriters should watch all the three versions of Chhakka Punja to see what makes a sequel work.
After watching the movie, my respect for Nepali cinema has grown. I was fortunate to interact with the cast and key member of the team; Jetu Punjabi. Deepa Shree Niraula and Deepak Raj Giri have produced the film. Here is the clip of the hit song ‘Pahela Number Ma’ from ‘Chhakka Punja 3’.
The whole experience of ‘Chhakkka Punja 3’ IS PAISA VASUL.
The hero could be called Nepali Govinda as his mannerisms, costume and facial expressions remind one of Govinda. The supporting cast worked magic with their comic timing. And the heroine, though not impressive, has a significant role. She is better than some of the female-lead sleepwalking and dancing in Bollywood movies.
I sincerely hope Indian producers make such movies. A commercial films based on ground reality and with a message. I am sure ‘Chhakka Punja 3’, if dubbed in Hindi will find a large audience.
Hollywood films have a negligible presence in Nepal. English as a language is alien to most Nepalis. However, the Nepali film industry suffers from the larger than life Bollywood next door. Most of the big Hindi films are released in Nepal. As the audience easily follow Hindi, they flood the theatres to enjoy the experience.
The low-budgeted Nepali films have to fight Bollywood releases. It is a fight among un-equals. In such a situation, credit must go to the ‘Chhakka Punja’ team to repeatedly pick on a socially relevant subject, and with nearly the same star cast create box-office success time and again.
If you do get a chance, watch the film. At least you can catch the flavour by watching ‘Chhakka Punja ’ on youtube.
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