Acharya raises the bar

JASHODA CHETTRI
“If my films don’t show profit, I know I am doing something right.”
This quote by Woody Allen aptly describes “Acharya”. Acharya is not a movie that will rake in the moolah or break box office records, but it is certainly a film which will be appreciated and remembered for immortalising the life and struggles of a legend of Nepali music industry.
At the outset, let me clarify that I am neither a movie buff nor a film critic. The last movie I watched was.... well, I really don’t remember. But I do remember having seen the trailers and promos of Acharya for a long time now. They looked dark, grim and mysterious and whetted my interest. And somehow this was a movie I did not want to miss. I was eagerly waiting for its release in Sikkim. But the release was delayed because of the 18 September quake and I finally got to watch the premiere on 27 February.
Acharya is a biopic based on the life of the living legend of Nepali music, Bhajan Shiromani Bhakta Raj Acharya. It would be unfair to dismiss it as another entertainer. Viewers looking for the usual fare may end up sorely disappointed. The ubiquitous naach gaana with colourful fariya cholo, dialogues like ma timilai man parauchhu, aama!!! are not Acharya’s cup of tea.
The film opens in Kathmandu with a sombre scene with Acharya practicing on the harmonium (his constant companion) with his friends. It goes into flashback mode when a reporter visits the ailing Acharya in hospital and expresses his interest to know about his life and music.
Acharya’s life, trials and tribulations take the viewer on a two hour journey which explores the deepest of human emotions of pain, struggle, love, disillusionment, helplessness and sense of achievement. It has some poignant moments which will make you uncomfortable in the belly. The more sensitive ones might also find their eyes welling up!
Acharya starts and ends on a sombre note. The emotions are muted and nothing is over the top, neither happiness nor pain. The scene where the struggling Acharya chokes on his tears while working on his sister’s field much to his dislike leaves an impact. Some scenes like the one in which he drags a chair are subtle yet suggestive. The metamorphosis of a village lad into one of the most popular Nepali singers has been portrayed brilliantly.
Acharya has been extensively shot in Nepal and India. The background score is quite experimental but at times they seem to give a feeling of an impending doom. It may be a well thought out plan to keep the audience on tenterhooks. It is wonderfully crafted except for some minor audio and video glitches here and there. Acharya nevertheless manages to give a feel of an international film with its music, lighting and camera work. The performances are convincing especially of the protagonist. Acharya has undoubtedly raised the bar for Nepali films.
And there are some surprise elements too. Watch it and be surprised. In the meantime let my computer play ‘Mutu jali rahechha...” for the nth time.
P.S. Not all that is bright and flamboyant is interesting and not all that is grim and dark is boring as far as films are concerned. I learnt it the Acharya way.