Jhola

Movie Details:

Cast & Characters:

• Garima Panta as Kanchi
• Sujal Nepal as Ghanashyam (Kanchi’s son)
• Deepak Chhetri as Kanchi’s old husband
• Desh Bhakta Khanal as Kanchi’s brother-in-law (Dewar)
• Laxmi Giri as Kanchi’s sister-in-law (Deurani)
• Krishna Dharabasi (Himself – Special Appearance)

Storyline:

The film follows the story of Kanchi (played by Garima Panta), a young woman married to an older man who is significantly her senior. When her husband passes away, Kanchi faces societal pressure to commit Sati, which mandates that she must sacrifice herself in the fire alongside her deceased husband. However, in a twist of fate, Kanchi manages to escape the flames and hides in a cave. The narrative explores her struggles for survival and the bond with her son, Ghanashyam (Sujal Nepal), who discovers her hiding place and seeks to help her escape their oppressive society.

As they navigate their new reality, they encounter various challenges, including the societal norms that threaten Kanchi’s life even after she has survived the Sati attempt. The film not only highlights the brutality of the Sati tradition but also touches upon other forms of social injustice prevalent in Nepalese society.

About Movie:

Jhola (Nepali: झोला) is a Nepali film based on a story by writer Krishna Dharabasi. The film addresses the historical practice of Sati, which was prevalent in Nepalese society until the 1920s, where a widow was expected to immolate herself on her husband’s funeral pyre.

Jhola received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and poignant performances, particularly by Garima Panta. The film won the Best Actress award for Panta at the SAARC Film Festival held in Sri Lanka in 2014. It was also selected as Nepal’s entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 87th Academy Awards but did not receive a nomination.

Critics praised the film for its sensitive portrayal of women’s issues and its ability to provoke thought about historical injustices that still resonate today. The film’s cinematography and traditional setting effectively captured the cultural context of the era it depicts.

Themes

1. Sati Tradition: The film critically examines the Sati practice and its impact on women, showcasing the struggles faced by widows.
2. Mother-Son Relationship: The bond between Kanchi and Ghanashyam serves as a central emotional thread throughout the narrative.
3. Social Injustice: Beyond Sati, Jhola addresses broader themes of gender inequality and societal oppression that persist in modern Nepal.

Jhola is regarded as an important work in Nepali cinema for its bold subject matter and social commentary. It has sparked discussions about women’s rights and historical practices in Nepalese society. The film continues to be relevant as it reflects ongoing issues related to gender-based violence and discrimination.