Eklo-I
The Story: Building a New Universe
Eklo-I is not just a movie; it is an ambitious attempt to shift the landscape of Nepali cinema. Directed by Pradeep Shahi, this film moves away from traditional romance and social drama to introduce a sci-fi thriller environment that feels entirely new to the local industry.
Because this is the first part of a planned series, the story focuses heavily on world-building. It introduces us to a mysterious and somewhat futuristic or isolated setting where the characters must survive against unknown threats. In this first installment, the director spends a lot of time introducing the main players and setting up the stakes. Rather than providing all the answers, Eklo-I ends on a high note of curiosity, leaving several doors open for Eklo-II, which is scheduled for release in 2027 AD. It acts as a long, high-quality prologue that sets the stage for a much larger battle.
Direction and Courage: Pradeep Shahi’s Vision
One must tip their hat to director Pradeep Shahi for his courage. Introducing a sci-fi or high-concept thriller genre to an audience used to family dramas is a risky move, but Shahi executes it with decent polish. The film doesn't try to copy Hollywood; instead, it tries to find its own voice within the Nepali context.
The performances are solid, with Pradeep Khadka leading the way in a role that is much more physically and emotionally demanding than his usual romantic leads. Benisha Hamal and veteran actors like Sunil Thapa and Vijay Lama add significant weight to the story. Interestingly, the film isn't all serious; there are moments of lightheartedness, particularly in the funny jokes and conversations between Vijay Lama (Bhisma) and Jamie Bacon (Zach), which provide a nice break from the tension. The direction is focused on creating an atmosphere of suspense and wonder. While some might find the lack of a "complete" story in Part 1 a bit frustrating, the technical effort and the visionary direction make it a respectable experience.
Strengths and Weaknesses
| Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|
| New Genre Experience: A brave attempt to bring sci-fi/thriller elements to the Nepali screen, offering something fresh for the audience. | Incomplete Narrative: Since it is Part 1, the story feels like a long introduction rather than a self-contained movie. |
| Great World Building: The film successfully establishes a unique atmosphere and leaves the audience curious about the lore. | Pacing Issues: Some scenes feel slow as the film takes its time to explain the world and its rules. |
| Technical Courage: The production design and cinematography show a high level of effort to make the "new world" look believable. | Cliffhanger Ending: The wait until 2027 for the sequel might be too long for some impatient viewers. |
| Moments of Humor: The witty banter between Bhisma and Zach adds a relatable human touch to the sci-fi setting. |
Final Verdict: A Decent and Daring Start
Eklo-I is a decent movie that deserves praise for its bravery. It isn't perfect, but it is a necessary experiment for an industry that needs to diversify its genres.
It is a "must-watch" for those who want to support creative growth in Nepali cinema and for fans of mystery and sci-fi. While you won't get all the answers in this first chapter, the curiosity it creates is enough to make you look forward to the next part. Pradeep Shahi has successfully planted the seed; now we wait to see how it grows in 2027.
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