The Cinema Times, Kathmandu – The promotional materials of upcoming Nepali cinema ‘Khusma’ is well-appreciated by the audiences. The onscreen chemistry of actors Upasana Singh Thakuri and Dhiraj Magar is much loved. Recently released song from the cinema ‘Rukum Maikot’ is trending on YouTube and is also garnering positive reviews.

‘Rukum Maikot’ is sung by SD Yogi and Shanti Shree Pariyar. In Suren Rai’s choreography, the actors have done a wonderful job. During the song release event, the actors talked about their Khusma journey.

It was challenging for both actors to portray the character as it was quite laborious. The lifestyle, gestures, talking style and more had to be learnt. The actors spent a lot of time in the workshop to learn the local ways. Even during the preparation, the locals from Maikot were called in, so that the actors could learn the behavior from them.

When asked why they chose the cinema, both Upasana and Dhiraj replied that they loved the script. Both of them shed tears in the narrative. The hardship during the conflict was heart-rending. Actor Dhiraj Magar says he always first looks at the script and this script blew his mind. He confesses crying even in the workshop while going through the scenes and is sure that the audiences will shed some tears as well.

Actor Upasana Singh Thakuri befriended the Maikot locals and from them she learnt more about the local ways. Brought up in the UK, it wasn’t easy for Dhiraj Magar to blend in. But, he says- No matter where I live, my roots are here. I feel proud to represent my people and story in big cinemas.

‘Khusma’ revolves around a love story set against the backdrop of the conflict in Nepal. The cinema portrays the struggles and challenges faced by people during the insurgency period and how love endures even in the most turbulent times.

Directed by Ashok Thapa Magar;  produced by Bir Bahadur Lama, Chandra Bhattachan, Betany Magar and Man Bahadur Dhanha Magar, the cinema releases on Asoj 3.