The Cinema Times, Kathmandu – In the heart of turbulent times, there are stories that rise above offering hope; one such story is cinema ‘Khusma’. The team organized a grand premiere on Tuesday at Kathmandu where politicians, cine workers and journalists enjoyed the cinema and passed on wonderful comments. A love story during the conflict evoked emotions in the attendees and they lauded the actors’ performances.

The red carpet, usually a symbol of glitz and glamour, took on a different meaning as the actors Upasana Singh Thakuri and Dhiraj Magar walked in traditional attire representing the Magar community. The cultural tone was set with Magar dance and musical instruments. This gave a sense of ownness to everyone present.

Member of the House of Representatives of Nepal Gyanendra Shahi, director Nischal Basnet, Rambabu Gurung, Ghanashyam Lamichhane, director Renasha Bantawa Rai, writer Pradeep Bhardwaj, producer Rohit Adhikari, Saroj Nyaupane, actors Salinman Baniya, Aashirwad Chhetri, Gaumaya Gurung, Pashupati Rai, Loonibha Tuladhar and locales of Rukum were present at the premiere.

Director Renasha Bantawa Rai who got emotional at some scenes appreciated actors Dhiraj Magar and Upasana Singh Thakuri’s performances.

MP Shahi lauded director Ashok Thapa Magar’s directorial debut. He coined ‘Khusma’ as documented entities which will make the audiences realize Nepal post 2052 BS. He further said that ‘Khusma’ is by far the best cinema he has seen. “How a common man was affected by both the government and the rebels is vividly presented. Each scene viz. Lakuri trees or vultures flying impacts the viewers.”

Director Nischal Basnet also put in good words on Magar’s direction. “What the director wanted to portray in the cinema has been very well presented. Upasana has done a fabulous job and Dhiraj has proved his acting caliber.”

There have already been many stories presented based on the conflict but what makes ‘Khusma’ stand out is this is a tale of ordinary people and their extraordinary love. The cinema’s narrative focuses on personal relationships, intertwined with political unrest, echoing the lives of those trapped between survival and hope.

Directed by Ashok Thapa Magar; produced by Bir Bahadur Lama, Chandra Bhattachan, Betany Magar and Man Bahadur Dhanha Magar, ‘Khusma’ is all set to hit the screens on Asoj 3.