Highway

Highway, a 2012 Nepali movie directed by Deepak Rauniyar, takes you on an unforgettable journey through Nepal's beautiful yet tough terrains. This diverse and complex movie primarily revolves around themes of social discrepancy, political corruption, and the impactful reflection of daily struggles faced by Nepalese locals.

The star-studded cast, including award-winning actors Dayahang Rai, Asha Magrati and Shristi Ghimire, leads you along their transformational paths, navigating through the chaos that is a traffic jam on the main highway connecting Kathmandu to Terai, the plains. During this chaotic scenario, each of the characters radiate a unique play of emotional and mental conflicts that adds more depth and dynamism to the movie.

Dayahang Rai, best known for his soulful performances, plays the character of a man who is frustrated yet determined to reach the destination, irrespective of the relentless traffic jam that holds them all hostage. His performance is underplayed yet impactful, displaying a range of emotions throughout the length of the film, making the underlying tension palpable to the audience.

The character of Asha Magrati is equally poignant and plays an integral constituent of this episodic story that evolves throughout the movie. She, along with the other main character played by Shristi Ghimire, are trapped in their own social circumstances, displaying a juxtaposition of despair and strength in the face of adversity.

Their life stories unfold slowly as the traffic jam continues, revealing hidden facets of each character’s personality, secrets they harbor, and the personal battles they are fighting. It’s through these little windows of their world that the audience gets a glimpse into the underlying social issues prevalent in Nepal, bringing a harrowing reality incisively to light.

Highway presents these characters against the backdrop of a traffic jam that goes on seemingly endlessly. The delay is due to a political strike, a common occurrence in Nepal, adding another crucial character in the narrative – Nepal itself. Through the course of the film, we get to see the unique socio-political landscape of the nation, with its stunning vistas, its turbulent politics, and its struggling citizens caught in the crossfire of change and tradition.

Intricately stitched together sequences of the film present a subtle critique of the country's socio-political issues and poses an underlying question of - How far along are we, truly, on the journey towards progress?

Highway also depicts the darker side of human nature, the desperation resulting from changed plans, and from being confined within an area where a timeline for escape doesn't exist. This grim undertone adds depth and complexity to the narrative and casts a haunting shadow on the stasis they’re in.

With a stunning background score that reinforces the emotional journey of the characters, and a brilliant soundscape that immerses you in the environment, Highway is an audacious Nepali film which excels in portraying human struggle, resilience, and survival. Its captivating storyline and well-rounded character arcs, which depict tensions, reveal secrets, and expose societal problems, make Highway an unforgettable cinematic event.

Cinematography is another area where Highway outruns the usual norms in Nepalese cinema. Filming in real locations, it captures the vast beauty of Nepal even in the stressful situations, shown throughout the film. The breathtaking locales and bustling streets of Nepal take you on a journey where you almost become a part of it.

As it moves between tension-filled moments and cathartic episodes with remarkable ease, Highway turns out to be a cinematic experience to cherish. Its razor-sharp critique of societal issues wrapped up in a captivating plotline makes it a must-watch movie for those who appreciate cinema at its finest. The brilliant performances from a winning cast add another highlight that is impossible to overlook.

In conclusion, Highway is not just a movie about a traffic jam; it dialogues on critical social, political, and human issues with the backdrop of the beautiful yet challenging landscape of Nepal. Throughout this journey, the audience experiences multiple facets of realism, highlighting not only the fragility of human nature but the strength that one can find from within it. Set in a unique premise, vivid and immersive, Highway is a visual and emotional tour-de-force that stays with you long after the credits roll.