'Zhigrana' unfolds with the familiar elements of a horror film: a road trip winding through eerie jungles, a dysfunctional friend group, a solitary house in the middle of nowhere, and a mythical being on the loose. While a solid storyline isn't guaranteed by combining these elements, a good time is certainly in store. The film offers an entertaining one-time watch, suitable for a fun evening with friends, though it lacks the lasting appeal to draw viewers back for more.

Initially, 'Zhigrana' follows the trajectory of a typical thriller, with a predictable yet engaging buildup. However, the promising setup takes an unfortunate turn towards the end. The script veers off course, prioritising a half-baked plot twist over the effort required for a logical storyline. This decision leaves the audience with a sense of disappointment as the film concludes.

The plot centres around a group of friends on a mission for the NGO they work for, their journey marred by internal conflicts and the looming threat of a murderer on the loose. While the film starts off with the potential for excitement, it ultimately falls short of delivering a satisfying and cohesive narrative.

In 'Zhigrana', the protagonist, Christine (Hanna Geschewski), initially takes centre stage in the murders that unfold in the second half of the story. However, her significance gradually diminishes as the narrative delves into each murder individually. This shift wouldn't have been an issue if Christine's character hadn't played a pivotal role in the events leading up to the conclusion. Surprisingly, the attempt to develop the supporting characters proves more beneficial to the overall story. Unfortunately, Christine, as the main character, fades into the background in the second half, possibly to create a shock for the end reveal, but this choice doesn't contribute positively to the film's storytelling.

Directed and written by Pasang Lama, the narrative of 'Zhigrana' centres on establishing the setting, events, and characters as they approach the inevitable doom awaiting them. In addition to Christine, the audience is introduced to her co-workers and friends—Shreeya (Shanti Giri), her straightforward and no-nonsense best friend; Maya (Menuka Pradhan), whose character revolves around her deceptive, abusive, and unfaithful boyfriend, Roger (Nikun Shrestha); BK (Deewakar Piya), the quintessential 'fun' guy; and Smriti (Bina Pandey), who lacks a distinct personality except for her involvement in an affair with Roger. Ram (Jyoti Karki), their tour guide, also adds an element to the group as a recently released convict.

Lama advances his narrative by incorporating vengeful mythical elements into the story. The characters learn about Kaal Panchami, a ghost with a penchant for killing. During a spiritual healing session, they witness a boy being treated for possession, leading Maya to be haunted by thoughts of ghosts and murder. These elements contribute to the eerie and suspenseful setting as the group loses their way. However, by the end, many of the mythical aspects seem unnecessary. While the film dismantles beliefs in the supernatural, asserting that myths are just myths, the story might have been more effective with some connections woven into these elements.

As the film progresses, the group, influenced by magic mushrooms provided by BK, loses their way on the journey to Ruku. They stumble upon an old, secluded house in the middle of nowhere, home to a grandfather, Baje (Arun Regmi), and his grandson. Predictably, the killings begin here, with Smriti being the first on the hit list.

The film doesn't shy away from hinting at something serious with Christine, dropping foreshadowing clues, especially at the movie's outset. Early on, Christine talks to her abusive father, triggering her distress. She also confronts another abusive father, which rattles her. The film reveals that Roger is consistently unfaithful and abusive to Maya, prompting Christine to disclose her own experience of her father's infidelity. When Christine witnesses Roger being intimate with Smriti, a dark expression crosses her face, and shortly after, Smriti becomes the first victim.

The issue lies not in Christine being revealed as the killer but in how it's portrayed. It turns out Christine has Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder. When serious mental health conditions are introduced into a storyline, there's a responsibility to give them sufficient time to unfold and portray their complexities. While successful thriller films like 'Split' and 'Identity' depict individuals with DID as criminals, it doesn't mean these movies present mental health in a positive light. Similarly, 'Zhigrana' touches on Christine's abusive past and then, moments before the credits roll, hurriedly reveals her four personalities, one of which is notably violent. The film ends with Christine staring at the screen with a malevolent expression, perpetuating a simplistic and villainous portrayal of a complex mental condition.

Conditions like DID are intricate, and ongoing research is shedding light on them. Considering the film was made in 2015, one would hope that we've progressed in understanding that mental health issues require the sensitivity they deserve.

Zhigrana

Director: Pasang Lama

Cast: Hanna Geschewski, Shanti Giri, Jyoti Karki, Menuka Pradhan, Nikun Shrestha, Deewakar Piya, Bina Pandey, Arun Regmi

Year: 2015

Duration: 2 hours

Language: Nepali

Available on: YouTube