Kathmandu: The trailer of “Chhakka Panja–5” did not receive a positive response, and the songs from the film were also made controversial. Despite facing harsh criticism on social media before its release, the film is now attracting a large number of viewers in theaters.
The primary reason for the packed theaters on the first day was the ‘Chhakka Panja’ brand. Despite the criticism on social media, viewers have shown trust in this brand. The film’s subject matter and storytelling style have upheld this trust. Deepak–Dipa have tried to express the common stories of Nepal and Nepalis through the medium of cinema.
The central theme of the film revolves around the struggles faced by a government officer who tries to be honest. Raja (played by Deepak Raj Giri), the son of a father who is proud of being a descendant of Prithvi Narayan Shah, is a government officer. Raja suffers due to his belief that giving and taking bribes is a crime.
In this country and society, those who try to live on honest earnings are looked down upon by their neighbors. Even families do not trust those who earn only through honesty. Society has become such that respect, honor, and prestige are all linked to money. Families first love money and only then the person who earns it. If someone doesn’t have money, receiving love is a distant dream.
Raja’s wife, whom he marries with difficulty, loves him, but love alone is not enough to progress the relationship—money is also needed. However, Raja is not willing to engage in corruption, and as a result, his wife divorces him.
“Chhakka Panja–5” tells the story of the complexities that arise in an ordinary citizen’s life when he cannot be corrupt or act as a broker. His father, wife, society, and corrupt individuals all complicate his life. How does Raja struggle against all these adversities?
This is the core of the story. Deepak–Dipa have presented it in their own style, with a mix of comedy as a spice. From another angle, the character of Magne Buda (played by Kedar Ghimire) makes the film more interesting, and Rajaram Poudel adds excitement.
Apart from a few unnecessary scenes, like making Raja sign a paper agreement about listening only to his wife, the film is beautiful and capable of holding the audience’s attention. The courtroom debates and scenes are not well done. In the divorce case, neither the judge’s dialogue nor the lawyers’ makes sense. The courtroom debate is made unbelievable in the name of comedy.
Despite small issues, Deepak–Dipa have succeeded in their intent with the film. The main purpose of a commercial film is business, and the goal is to entertain as many viewers as possible. In this regard, “Chhakka Panja–5” has succeeded.
The film’s cinematography is average. The editing and background music are not of “wow” level, but they are not bad either. The most beautiful aspect of the film is the emotional portrayal of the father-son relationship. Raja, who lost his mother at a young age, was raised and educated by his father, who worked as a porter. The relationship between the father, who has struggled, and his emotionally connected son is the emotional backbone of the film. Prakash Ghimire has done commendable work in the role of the father.
The film picks up pace after Raja’s wife intervenes in the father-son relationship, and the main subject matter also starts gaining momentum. The message of the film is that one person’s efforts alone cannot change the system. To fix the system, everyone needs to put in equal energy.
In recent times, most commercial films portray a hero who has the miraculous power to change an entire system by himself. However, this is not possible in reality. People are also in search of such a hero, who can bring about a transformation with a magic wand and eliminate all problems and hardships in an instant. “Chhakka Panja–5” does not follow this path.
Although the trailer and songs received mixed reactions, the film is a good option to enjoy during the Dashain holidays. Unlike other films that mislead audiences with trailers and teasers, “Chhakka Panja” stands apart.
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