When someone we’re familiar with succeeds, it’s natural for many of us to ask, “Why not me?” and feel a pang of envy towards their achievements. This instinctive reaction is central to the ‘Feri Resham Filili’ story. A sequel to the much-loved ‘Resham Filili’, it is a comedy of errors at its heart.

It once again follows the comedic yet challenging journey of Resham (Vinay Shrestha) and his misadventures. Unlike many Nepali sequels that struggle to live up to their predecessors, ‘Feri Resham Filili’ surpasses expectations. It combines humour with a sharp critique of migration (particularly brain drain), societal hypocrisy and materialism.

The Nepali film industry has long been known for its ability to weave humour with social commentary, and ‘Feri Resham Filili’ does exactly that. It delivers an entertaining yet insightful take on society’s obsession with foreign dreams.

The movie depicts the societal dynamics that change when Resham (Vinay Shrestha) is selected for the US Diversity Visa (EDV) lottery and gets his visa approved. Those who once ridiculed him in his locality now shower him with love and respect. It demonstrates the shallow and conditional nature of social acceptance.

This theme is relatable to Nepali audiences, where migration to the US or other foreign countries is often seen as a symbol of success. The film captures the irony of how people value someone only when they see a benefit in doing so. It draws a sharp but subtle reflection of societal opportunism.

The dream of ‘flying to America’ is deeply ingrained in Nepali society, and the film highlights how this dream often overshadows the want to work in and for one’s homeland. Resham, initially an ordinary man struggling with self-worth, becomes a symbol of prestige simply because he gets an American visa. This shift in perception is portrayed with humour, making the audience laugh until their stomach hurts. The person beside me kept dabbing their eyes with a tissue from laughing so hard, and I found myself doing the same.

One notably intriguing character is Hajmola, who is fixated on being the first in his area to arrive in America. His envy of Resham’s achievements is expressed through comedic yet meaningful symbols. The film skillfully utilises visual motifs; Hajmola frequently sports clothing featuring elements of the American flag, like stars.

It clearly represents his desperation to associate himself with the American dream. Also, his name, “Hajmola,” humorously implies his inability to digest Resham’s success, a brilliant use of wordplay that adds to the film’s comedic charm. Moreover, his broken English and inability to pronounce English words correctly draw more laughter.

Beyond its comedic elements, ‘Feri Resham Filili’ also takes a bold step in portraying homosexuality and same-sex marriage in Nepal. Despite the legal recognition of LGBTQIA rights, it is still not socially accepted, and the film does not shy away from addressing this. The movie highlights the contrast between legal provisions and societal attitudes. It portrays how individuals in same-sex relationships are still seen as engaging in ‘immoral’ behaviour.

This inclusion is commendable, as mainstream Nepali cinema rarely tackles such themes sincerely. Instead of making it a token representation, the film integrates the issue seamlessly into its plot. It allows audiences to engage with the reality of LGBTQIA struggles in Nepal without feeling like it’s forced.

The film also has ample numbers of characters, which can often be a risky choice, as too many characters can dilute the story. However, ‘Feri Resham Filili’ keeps each character distinct and well-developed.

Shrestha delivers a remarkable performance as Resham by capturing his journey from an underestimated individual to someone suddenly celebrated. Kameshwor Chaurasiya as Hariya provides excellent comic relief by balancing out the more serious moments of the film.

One of the standout performances comes from Laxmi Giri who plays Resham’s mother. Her fearless character is refreshing to watch. The movie offers a strong female presence amidst the male-dominated narrative. She serves as a voice of reason, reminding Resham and the audience about the importance of family and self-worth beyond societal validation.

The film also benefits from its sharp dialogues and one-liners, which keep the humour flowing effortlessly. Every scene is packed with witty exchanges, making it a thoroughly enjoyable watch. The movie’s music is another highlight. The songs are not mere fillers but help advance the story further. Similarly, a film’s aesthetics often play a crucial role in storytelling, and ‘Feri Resham Filili’ does not disappoint. The costumes are well thought out and character-appropriate.

The ending is impactful yet could have been developed more gradually without extending the film’s length. The protagonist’s shift in thought feels somewhat rushed, and a deeper exploration of his inner conflict would have added more weight.

All in all, the film is a must-watch for audiences of all ages, as it speaks to everyone, whether young or old.

Feri Resham Filili

Director: Niroj Maharjan

Cast: Vinay Shrestha, Laxmi Giri, Supuspa Bhatta

Duration: 142 minutes

Year: 2025

Language: Nepali