The Black Hen

The events in this movie takes place in Mugu during the Maoist insurgency of 2001. The first thing you need to know about this movie is that the main characters don't speak nepali as we know it. Its hard to understand what they are saying and sometimes it feels like they are speaking a completely different language. There are nepali subtitles to help clear things out but if you are someone like me who don't have much talent in reading nepali then you probably wont understand most of the dialogues which unfortunately includes punchlines, ongoing jokes and some serious poetic lines as well. But its alright if you don't understand the dialogues because this movie speaks volumes through its visuals. Actually most of the storytelling is done through visual camera-work rather than dialogues. The cinematography is breathtaking and you cant really go wrong in placing the story against the backdrop of Mugu, which in itself is a very beautiful place.

The screenplay is brilliant, the acting top notch. Every character is brilliantly played. The child actors were specially good. There are very raw imagery of village life portrayed in this movie. And im surprised how dedicated these actors were to be involved in such a audacious project and to give their 100 % by sometimes even chewing on straws picked up from ground. And we thought Leo was a good actor just because he ate raw fish.

But what really amazed me was the score. The sound track is hauntingly beautiful and fits perfectly with the movie. Its ominous and sad and at the same time very thrilling and assuring. The sound quality of the dialogues and ambiance was top notch.the dialogue delivery felt very natural.

Now onto my gripes. What i really cant understand is why the director chose to film every scene in this movie from a static viewpoint. Yes it works for sceneries as it gives a very cinematic look. But it doesn't make sense to film people talking in that technique. Specially because the acting is so damn good in this movie. It wouldve been really nice if he had filmed some dialogues in shot reverse shot or even over the shoulder. But i guess the director had a reason and logic behind it. Maybe i completely overlooked it. Oh and why cant nepali filmmakers use proper gun props. The pistols used in this movie looks so damn fake its ridiculous.

Kalo Pothi is a Mud-esque tale about loss and learning to let go. It explores themes such as innocence, growing up, violence and the impact it has on people.

The fundamental premise of "Kalo Pothi" very much evokes memories of Kiarostami's "Where is the Friend's House," a film that I hold in high regard by the way. Both works strive to weave the innocence and naivety of childhood into a broader political and societal narrative.

Whilst the Iranian film achieves this integration with remarkable finesse, maintaining its core theme throughout without hiccups, this Nepali production occasionally strays from its central theme and subject, and this inconsistency ultimately emerge as the primary issue of the writing.

Although I commend the effort put into it, the messaging regrettably resonates with less than half the intended impact.

The events in this movie takes place in Mugu during the Maoist insurgency of 2001. the first thing you need to know about this movie is that the main characters don't speak nepali as we know it. its hard to understand what they are saying and sometimes it feels like they are speaking a completely different language. There are nepali subtitles to help clear things out but if you are someone like me who don't have much talent in reading nepali then you probably wont understand most of the dialogues which unfortunately includes punchlines, ongoing jokes and some serious poetic lines as well. But its alright if you don't understand the dialogues because this movie speaks volumes through its visuals. Actually most of the storytelling is done through visual camera-work rather than dialogues. The cinematography is breathtaking and you cant really go wrong in placing the story against the backdrop of Mugu, which in itself is a very beautiful place.

The screenplay is brilliant, the acting top notch. Every character is brilliantly played. The child actors were specially good. There are very raw imagery of village life portrayed in this movie. and im surprised how dedicated these actors were to be involved in such a audacious project and to give their 100 % by sometimes even chewing on straws picked up from ground. and we thought Leo was a good actor just because he ate raw fish.

But what really amazed me was the score. the sound track is hauntingly beautiful and fits perfectly with the movie. Its ominous and sad and at the same time very thrilling and assuring. The sound quality of the dialogues and ambiance was top notch.the dialogue delivery felt very natural.

Now onto my gripes. what i really cant understand is why the director chose to film every scene in this movie from a static viewpoint. yes it works for sceneries as it gives a very cinematic look.But it doesn't make sense to film people talking in that technique. specially because the acting is so damn good in this movie.It wouldve been really nice if he had filmed some dialogues in shot reverse shot or even over the shoulder. But i guess the director had a reason and logic behind it. maybe i completely overlooked it. Oh and why cant nepali filmmakers use proper gun props. The pistols used in this movie looks so damn fake its ridiculous.

Kalo Pothi is a Mud-esque tale about loss and learning to let go. It explores themes such as innocence, growing up, violence and the impact it has on people.

"**The Black Hen**" (Kalo Pothi) is a 2015 Nepalese film directed by Min Bahadur Bham. Set during the Nepalese Civil War, the movie follows the story of two young boys, Prakash and Kiran, from a remote village in Nepal. Their lives are intertwined with a black hen, which becomes a symbol of hope and resilience amidst the turmoil of war.

### Key Themes: 1. **Innocence and Childhood**: The film captures the innocence of the two boys as they navigate their daily lives, unaware of the larger political and social upheaval around them. Their friendship and adventures provide a poignant contrast to the grim realities of war.

2. **Impact of War**: The civil war serves as a backdrop, subtly influencing the lives of the villagers. The film doesn't focus on the war itself but rather on how it disrupts the lives of ordinary people, especially children.

3. **Resilience and Hope**: The black hen becomes a metaphor for hope and survival. Despite the hardships, the boys' determination to protect the hen reflects the human spirit's resilience.

### Cinematography and Direction:

• The film is visually stunning, with breathtaking shots of the Nepalese countryside. The director uses natural lighting and landscapes to create a sense of realism and beauty.

• Min Bahadur Bham's direction is subtle and understated, allowing the story to unfold organically without heavy-handed drama.

### Performances:

• The child actors, particularly Khadka Raj Nepali (Prakash) and Sukra Raj Rokaya (Kiran), deliver heartfelt and authentic performances. Their chemistry and portrayal of rural life are compelling.

• The supporting cast, including the villagers, adds depth to the narrative, making the village feel alive and real.

### Critical Reception:

• "The Black Hen" received widespread acclaim for its storytelling, direction, and performances. It won several awards, including the Best Film at the 2016 Nepal National Film Awards and the Interfilm Award at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival.

• Critics praised its ability to address serious themes through the lens of childhood innocence, making it both accessible and deeply moving.

### Conclusion: "The Black Hen" is a beautifully crafted film that offers a unique perspective on the Nepalese Civil War. It's a touching story of friendship, resilience, and hope, set against the backdrop of a country in turmoil. The film's simplicity and emotional depth make it a standout in contemporary Nepalese cinema. If you enjoy films that blend personal stories with larger socio-political contexts, "The Black Hen" is a must-watch.

There are lots of excellent Nepalese movies that should get recognition from international level. Movies like Kalo Pothi, Bulbul, White Sun, Saanghuro, Prakash, Loot, Pashupati Prasad should be realesed through Netflix, Prime Videos and other OTT platforms. We can dub in Hindi and English with subtitles. If there is low chance to get immediate popularity but it will be very significant for the future. Our industry is getting better day by day and Prem Geet 3 could be the best example. We need to work on quality cinema presenting our language, culture, history, religious aspects and value of eastern society.

JAY Nepali Cinema!!!