Chyanti – A Short Film Review
Chyanti is a visually stunning piece of short film taking place in Nepal during the Maoist Revolution. This is a raw look at a family struggling to survive these harsh conditions. The film cannot fail to prod at your emotions. Short film at its best.
What’s It All About?
Inspired by true events. In the midst of the Maoist revolution, Ram, a guerrilla fighter, returns home to celebrate the festival of Dashain, only to realize that if he is to feed his family and send his daughter to school, he must sell Chyanti, the family goat, so beloved by his daughter, Sani.
My Opinion
Chyanti really delivered something special. This was a beautifully shot and incredibly human short film that focused on the real plights of family life in the unsure times of the Maoist revolution. The short focuses a lot on relationships. We have the relationship between Ram and his wife, the relationship between Ram and his daughter, Sani, and the relationship between Sani and Chyanti. All three relationships are equally important to the story intertwining with one another.
Chyanti is the family goat and a loyal companion to Sani, who no longer goes to school as the family simply can’t afford to send her. You instantly feel for Sani and the hard upbringing she is facing, yet she is blissfully unaware of the situation she is in. Ram is a fighter against the government in the revolution and wanted by the police. These flawed characters really ground the film and you can’t help but feel for the situation they are in.
Screenwriter Sampada Malla tells us a very moving story, breaking down the complex relationship between a family struggling in a country going through a civil war. The fast-moving story does very well to keeps it focus on the main characters. The flawed characters have a real human side to them and give us a glimpse at some raw, emotional and moving moments that make them all that more relatable.
Director Veemsen Lama delivers another masterpiece to the short film circle. Following on from his success of Maya, he continues the same visual style and produces another character driven piece from Nepal. Veemsen seems to have an amazing way of telling stories, with this film being completely engaging to its audience from start to finish. His characters are flawed, yet strong and his surroundings are bleak, yet beautiful. The story never fails to touch your emotions.
The cinematography is spellbinding. Setting the short in such a visually pleasing location is very appealing. This was a beautifully shot and an incredibly human piece of short film. The camera work is spectacular as we are given some richly immersive shots that capture the raw emotion of the characters and the environment they are living in. Visually extremely pleasing.
The score really goes a long way to aid the story, we have a very appropriate and pleasing soundtrack that enriches the visuals and adds another level of depth. The music acts as a narrative at times as it is used in such away to help tell a story that words could not describe. An excellent example is the opening scene which see’s Ram cleaning his clothes in the river, this reflects what he has been through and what it means to be back home.
Notable Cast
Shyam Khadka played Ram, the father. Shyam was outstanding in this role. I really felt the turmoil going on in this character as well as the belief he had in the cause he was fighting for. He shared some exceptional scenes with the rest of the cast.
Babita Tamang played the Mother. Babita was also strong in her role. She had a tough job, but I feel as though she managed it very well. This was another believable performance.
Sangita Tamang played Sani, their daughter. Sangita stole the show with a very lovable performance. Her blindness to the war that was going on around her and he friendship with Chyanti was endearing. She had some exceptional scenes with both Shyam and Babita. A Shining performance.
The Verdict
This was visually and extremely pleasing piece. The film was a pleasure to watch and told an exceptional story. This is a tale of family, revolution, conflict, poverty and a whole lot more. I highly recommend this short film to all who get the opportunity to see it. Another fantastic piece of cinema.
