With their khukuri and the iconic battle cry, “Aayo Gurkhali!”, the Gurkhas have placed indelible marks on world history. Familiar to anyone with even a passing knowledge of warfare, the Gurkhas’ identity is synonymous with their Khukuri and battle cry. Yet, the rich and unique history of this extraordinary group spanning over 200 years, remains relatively unknown.

Enter ‘Gurkha Warrior’, which appropriately reflects the formidable reputation of the Gurkhas. Their battle cry, resonating with both fear and awe in the hearts of adversaries, finds a fitting representation in this movie.

From the conclusion of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 to the outbreak of World War I, the British Indian Army, including over 200,000 Gurkhas, participated in conflicts across Burma, Afghanistan, India, Cyprus, and Malaya. Notably, during World War I, Gurkhas displayed exceptional courage, exemplified by one battalion’s valiant stand at the Battle of Loos.

In the Gallipoli Campaign, Gurkhas were among the first to arrive and the last to depart. During World War II, over 250,000 Gurkhas, organised into 40 battalions, played vital roles in significant battles across Burma, North Africa, the Middle East, and Italy. Despite suffering 32,000 casualties, they earned over 2,000 bravery awards, highlighting their unwavering courage and dedication.

In a departure from the usual portrayal of Gurkhas, this historical film depicts stories of struggle, sacrifice, failures and triumphs. Director and producer Milan Chams sheds light not only on their wartime contributions but also on their roles as UN peacekeepers around the world.

The film begins with a breathtaking but sombre scene at a mountaintop monument, where an elderly man pays homage to fallen soldiers, setting a reflective tone for the audience. This serves as a fitting introduction, indicating that viewers are about to witness the hardships faced by these soldiers. The grandfather’s tribute to the soldiers in front of his grandchild symbolises the film’s overarching aim: to educate younger generations about the lesser-known history of the Gurkhas.

The story then transports us back to the Malayan emergency of 1948-60, where Gurkhas fought alongside British soldiers against insurgents. Section commander Corporal Birkha Bahadur leads the story, embarking on a rescue mission into the jungles of Malaya with his subordinates. However, their journey takes a tumultuous turn when they are ambushed by the enemy, resulting in the platoon getting scattered. Bahadur takes charge, leading a mission to locate and rescue his comrades, confronting challenges with determination and courage.

The movie places great emphasis on its casting, particularly Ritesh Chams, who portrays Corporal Bahadur. It was a pleasant surprise to learn that Ritesh is a real-life Gurkha, adding authenticity to his performance. His firsthand experience as a retired Gurkha who served in Afghanistan lends credibility to his portrayal of Bahadur.

The film introduces many soldier characters with distinct personalities, blending humour, mischief and heroism. It follows the familiar pattern seen in war movies, where soldiers share moments of laughter and camaraderie amid heavy sacrifices and the longing to return home. While this formula may seem typical and cliché, it effectively serves its purpose.

I found the dramatic conflict in the movie intriguing as the characters are prevented from getting something they want. Effective storytelling requires a balance of internal and external conflicts to create depth and drive the plot forward.

For example, Bahadur’s mission to locate his comrades is met with numerous enemy attacks, representing external conflict. Meanwhile, internal conflicts arise from the soldiers' desires to succeed, protect their fellow comrades, and yearn for home. The weight of their decisions becomes evident when they must choose between life and death, loyalty and camaraderie.

The execution of dramatic conflict in the movie is commendable, as both internal and external conflicts actively oppose each other. Despite facing adversity and setbacks, Bahadur and his soldiers persevere with determination, reminiscent of the bravery displayed by characters like Captain America from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Similarly, the movie extends beyond depicting war scenes to explore the lives of soldiers’ families. It highlights emotional moments as Birkha’s wife and mother anxiously await his return. This personal dimension adds depth to the story, allowing us to empathise with the characters and grasp the magnitude of their sacrifices.

Visually, the movie is striking, thanks to Sudip Baral’s cinematography, which beautifully captures Nepal’s landscapes. The majestic Himalayan mountains and meticulously choreographed battle sequences immerse the audience in the midst of the conflict, capturing every gunshot and evoking a range of emotions.

The film is being produced in multiple languages, including Nepali, Hindi, English and Korean.

However, while the movie endeavours to leave a lasting impression of Gurkha history, its message and impact somewhat falter in its landing to some extent and are not that memorable.

The film heavily relies on sentimentality and patriotism, emphasising the bravery and legacy of the Gurkhas. At times, this emphasis on sacrifice feels exaggerated, potentially alienating younger and non-Nepali audiences. While it may resonate with older Nepali viewers, the film’s emotional approach could hinder its ability to connect with a broader audience.

Nonetheless, the movie serves as a tribute to the valiant soldiers. It transcends mere combat, offering a glimpse into the true essence of the Gurkhas. Watching the film evokes a sense of gratitude towards these warriors and imparts lessons about resilience in the face of adversity.

Throughout history, Gurkhas have faced significant challenges in warfare, with some never returning and others bearing physical and emotional scars. This reality persists today, as dangers persist in peacekeeping efforts in war-torn regions. Thus, the movie stands as an excellent tribute to all those who have fought and continue to fight bravely.

Gurkha Warriors

Director: Milan Chams

Cast: Ritesh Chams, Vijay Lama, Rebika Gurung

Year: 2023 in UK and 2024 in Nepal

Language: Nepali

Duration: 1 hour 55 minutes