‘Gharjwai’, directed and written by Anil Budha Magar, is a movie that oozes sincerity from start to finish. It is sincere to its world, cultural significance, and message.

The movie, in its essence, tells the story of daring characters. Dayahang Rai’s Soro dares to marry in his own terms. Miruna Magar’s Binjuri dares to find her feet and make her choices heard in a setting where women rarely get to choose.

Even Shishir Bangdel, who plays Binjuri's strict and often unreasonable father, is determined to find his daughter a gharjwai (a home-staying husband).

Yet, this bravado does not show itself in flashes but in a grounded form of reality. ‘Gharjwai’ stays true to its world throughout. Love is proclaimed not in dramatic music pieces but with a subtle glance or a thin but satisfying smile.

There is an understanding that the story of ‘Gharjwai’ is in lived reality. Confrontations aren’t flashy, but we spend enough time with the characters to know these arguments and fights matter. ‘Gharjwai’ finds its strength in looking inward rather than showing flashy performances.

The movie is also sincere about its characters. We follow Soro, who, despite going against societal traditions, is silent and ever-pensive. Rai plays him in a heartfelt manner. Through Rai, we see him protest his father-in-law’s strictness and even his sorrows.

He is a daring man; he doesn’t beat around the bush while seeking out Binjuri. There is an honesty to that. This makes moments when Soro shows extreme passion worth it. We know Soro isn’t someone to show anger easily.

The same applies to characters like Binjuri and her father too. Binjuri is confident in herself and resolute in her life dreams. We see her in many lights, as a daughter, a lover, a wife, a bride, a saviour, and a sportsperson.

Yet, she maintains her determination, whether it is to respect her father’s wish to have a gharjwai, or give her husband due strength as needed. Her rejection of Soro, upon learning of his beating of his father, is a great testament to her character.

Bangdel, who plays the strict father of Binjuri, is a clear antagonist of the story, especially from Soro’s perspective. Yet, it is difficult to not respect his position and principles.

Bangdel shows a sympathetic side of the character. We understand and even agree with his reasoning for needing a gharjwai; it is a very human, very realistic need. Yet, we also see how this determination in his beliefs makes him a rigid character.

His rigidity is infuriating at times, even unfair, but always inherent to the character. That is why the story chooses to resolve his character arc by having him change his mind.

It is truly remarkable for someone like him to do so, but also understandable how he does it while maintaining his dignity.

‘Gharjwai’ is sincere to its setting. It is an ode to various elements of the Magar culture, but it does not try to glorify them in any way. It is not just a story about Magar customs but rather about these customs in conflict. It is set at the onset of the second People’s Movement and studies society in transition.

Customs like being a gharjwai are very integral to people in our story, but there is also a significant rejection of these ideas. The gharjwai system, the idea of young people finding their spouse, gives an idea of freedom of choice. Yet, caveats like provisions of kidnapping one’s spouse in cases show that these moralities can very much be questioned. In the world of ‘Gharjwai’, there is sincere respect shown to many Magar customs, but the movie doesn't refrain from putting on a critical lens.

The movie is shot brilliantly and one understands its settings and limitations. Its emphasis is on the mountainous setting, and many shots are truly breathtaking. The story is slow but well-paced. The opening, with Dayahang Rai gazing at the distance in a shadow while smoking, sets the stage for the movie, which takes its subject matter seriously.

The story of Soro and Binjuri is also that of many in the audience, and the movie constantly reminds us of it through how realistic the world feels. It reminds me of another fairly recent movie that does the same worldbuilding, ‘Laapata Ladies’.

The fact that the cinema I went to had many of the elderly thoroughly enjoying this movie is a great testament to how cinema can truly transcend generations, languages, and worldviews if done right.

‘Gharjwai’ is one such case of storytelling done right. For that reason, and its sincerity to everything it represents, it is a must-watch.

Gharjwai

Director: Anil Budha Magar

Cast: Dayahang Rai, Miruna Magar, Shishir Bangdel

Year: 2024

Runtime: 2 hr 7 minutes

Language: Nepal

Available: Currently in cinemas