Nepali cinema has often been accused of relying on predictable formulas, with ‘Hostel 3’ being no different. It attempts to blend comedy, drama, and thriller into one compact narrative. Directed by Sashan Kandel and written by Madhav Sharma, the movie presents a narrative filled with youthful excitement, personal dilemmas, and an unexpected tragic climax. At its core, the movie is about a group of students navigating college life and the complex relationships and struggles that come with it. It offers a modern campus drama with hints of Shakespearean tragedy, where fate, misunderstandings, and personal flaws shape the character’s destiny.

Similar to the tragic protagonists in Shakespeare’s works, the central character’s downfall in the film is propelled by external manipulation and internal weaknesses. ‘Hostel 3’ borrows from these classical themes while adapting them to a modern Nepali setting.

Satya (Paras Bom Thakuri), the central character, seems like an ideal student—a Bagmati topper, a karate black belt, and someone strong moral convictions. But as in Shakespeare’s tragic heroes, his judgement is clouded by emotions, leading him to make impulsive decisions with devastating consequences. His actions, stemming from assumptions rather than truth, set off a chain of events that ultimately spiral into tragedy.

Despite its tragic undertones, ‘Hostel 3’ incorporates comedic elements, particularly through the character of Jit Hang (Padam Tamang). His humour, based in farce—a type of comedy that depends on exaggerated situations, physical antics, and absurdity—shines through in moments like lying about his father’s death to switch rooms, his over-the-top expressions during action scenes, or his clever rhymes such as “Topper, Topper And Tapari, K Lagla Mero Khapadi.” This all captures his comedic essence.

Moreover, his dialogue delivery and mannerisms contribute to the comic relief necessary in an intense story. His witty remarks during fight scenes, such as “Gala Pani Chadkyo, Dil Pani Dhadkyo, Sas Pani Adkyo,” reflect how his humour remains intact even in dire circumstances. This strategic use of comedy prevents the movie from becoming overwhelmingly dark, offering audiences moments of laughter amidst the serious undertones.

One of the most impressive aspects of ‘Hostel 3’ is the commendable performance of its relatively new cast, many of whom gained popularity through TikTok. Their transition from short-form digital content to full-length feature film acting is noteworthy. Rather than appearing amateurish, their performances exude authenticity and dedication.

Satya carries the emotional weight of the film, showing moments of depth, especially during his conflicts with Simran Pant (Nisha) and Santosh Baniya (Vicky). Ryhaan Giri (Manav), though engaging, falls short in his expressions during moments of anger and grief, making his emotional range appear somewhat restricted. Tamang provides a natural comedic touch, seamlessly integrating humour without making it feel forced. Ashish Ghimire (Shiva) effectively portrays vulnerability, particularly in the transition scene from an innocent youth to a manipulated victim. Hena Nagarkoti (Sahana) delivers a performance that is integral to the plot’s twists, making her presence memorable.

Among the standout performances is Vicky, the antagonist, whose portrayal of a deeply insecure yet menacing bully is particularly striking. His costume—especially the choker he wears with a hoodie—seems odd, yet his presence on screen demands attention. His character embodies the classic literary villain: one who seeks control as a means to mask his internal turmoil. There’s another mysterious character, Raj, whose presence adds a layer of intrigue to the story.

An equally important element in ‘Hostel 3’ is how its characters are presented visually; in this case, the outfits reflect a stark contrast. The female characters’ costumes, especially in college settings, lean towards a more Westernised aesthetic, which feels disconnected from the actual dress code of Nepali educational institutions. This lack of authenticity slightly weakens the film’s believability.

Jewellery, too, plays a role, especially in a crucial moment when a locket with a hidden picture serves as a clue, revealing critical information about the central mystery. Such small yet significant details enhance the storytelling.

In a similar vein, ‘Hostel 3’ embeds meaningful symbolism that enhances the storytelling. The symbolism behind the room numbers assigned to the characters—Room 108 and Room 107—adds an extra layer of meaning to their journeys. Additionally, the ‘Aalu formula’ that one must adjust and live together is a subtle reflection of Nepal’s social dynamics, emphasising compromise and coexistence.

The film also critiques societal issues subtly yet effectively. The racism reflected in the dialogue “Chimse aankha vayera visa reject,” highlights prejudices based on physical appearance. Furthermore, Nisha’s backstory sheds light on exploitation.

While the film builds tension, particularly through the mysterious death of a character, certain elements feel rushed towards the end. The audience is led to believe in one culprit, only for the real perpetrator to be revealed through a conveniently discovered piece of evidence. Though effective in maintaining suspense, this approach could have been executed with more finesse. Additionally, the decision of the friends to cut ties after Satya’s imprisonment feels weak, considering the strong bond they share throughout the film.

Though effective in some places, the film’s music could have been better timed in emotionally heavy moments, such as Satya’s arrest scene, where a song’s placement felt out of sync with the moment’s gravity. The fight sequences, particularly the second major confrontation, felt slightly unpolished and could have benefited from better choreography. The script also faltered in the falling action, where the resolution of Nisha’s storyline could have been executed with more depth and coherence.

While ‘Hostel 3’ may not be a must-watch, it successfully bridges social media fame with cinematic storytelling. For TikTokers looking to transition into acting, this film serves as an encouraging example of how digital creators can find a place in mainstream cinema.

Hostel 3

Director: Sashan Kandel

Casts: Paras Bam Thakuri, Ryhaan Giri, Simran Pant, Padam Tamang & others.

Duration: 165 minutes

Language: Nepali

Available: In nearby cinemas