A Road To A Village

A feature-length drama from Nepal directed by Nabin Subba, written by Subba and Mahesh Rai and starring Dayahang Rai, Pasupati Rai, Prasan Rai and Prem Subba.

Maila (Dayahang), hi wife, Maili (Pasupati) and their young son, Bindre (Prasan) live in an isolated village in eastern Nepal, living a quiet life with Maila working as a basket weaver. Although they do not have much, they are happy. However, following the construction of a road that connects their village to more populated and industrialised areas, the family find themselves facing massive challenges as the villagers appear to start obtaining their resources from places that have become accessible due to the new road.

A hard-hitting drama that follows a poor family struggling because of the consequences of economic progress. Told through the perspectives of Maila and Bindre, the screenplay works as a sort of father-and-son story, exploring the activities and experiences of these two characters, with the father trying to find ways to support his family and his boy getting into trouble and dreaming of things that can now be supplied thanks to the road, such as soft drinks and televisions. A lot of drama throughout, with hope and efforts towards a better tomorrow being the main forces that move the plot forward. The viewing is further enriched by Subba's directing which is superb and effectively captures the beauty of the surrounding landscapes and the wonderful music by Heidi Li is another great addition.

As mentioned, the story is told primarily through the perspective of Maila and Bindre. As a result of this, Maili seems to become a secondary character, she is kind of left in the background and perhaps the story would had been even more engaging if the script spend more time concentrating on her point of view as well.

The acting is strong. Dayahang's emotionally portrays a family man with a tragic past, who goes to great lengths to cope with the changes that are occurring in his village, while simultaneously trying to be a good husband and father. As his wife, Pasupati's character is a capable woman, a strict mother who shares her husband's pain regarding a terrible loss. Their child, Bindre, is a well-meaning yet troublesome and rebellious schoolboy who is keen on having new products that are brought to his attention including televisions, sunglasses and soft drinks.

The plot centres on a family and family values are a major theme such as parenting. Moreover, poverty, financial difficulties and loss also play a big part in this story that acknowledges the fact that progress can also have negative consequences for some people such as damaging their income. From a different perspective, this feature provides an insight into what life is like in Nepal's countryside.

This film is about struggle, it is about trying to make ends meet in a place where one is not needed any more. It is a family drama and a dramatic journey about pursuing a better life.