Nepal: With their khukuri and the iconic battle cry, “Aayo Gurkhali!”, the Gurkhas have placed indelible marks on world history. Familiar to anyone with even a passing knowledge of warfare, the Gurkhas’ identity is synonymous with their Khukuri and battle cry. Yet, the rich and unique history of this extraordinary group spanning over 200 years, remains relatively unknown.
Gurkha Warrior/ poster
Enter
‘Gurkha Warrior’, which appropriately reflects the formidable reputation of the
Gurkhas. Their battle cry, resonating with both fear and awe in the hearts of
adversaries, finds a fitting representation in this movie.
From
the conclusion of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 to the outbreak of World War I,
the British Indian Army, including over 200,000 Gurkhas, participated in
conflicts across Burma, Afghanistan, India, Cyprus, and Malaya. Notably, during
World War I, Gurkhas displayed exceptional courage, exemplified by one
battalion’s valiant stand at the Battle of Loos.
In
the Gallipoli Campaign, Gurkhas were among the first to arrive and the last to
depart. During World War II, over 250,000 Gurkhas, organised into 40
battalions, played vital roles in significant battles across Burma, North
Africa, the Middle East, and Italy. Despite suffering 32,000 casualties, they
earned over 2,000 bravery awards, highlighting their unwavering courage and
dedication.
In
a departure from the usual portrayal of Gurkhas, this historical film depicts
stories of struggle, sacrifice, failures and triumphs. Director and producer
Milan Chams sheds light not only on their wartime contributions but also on
their roles as UN peacekeepers around the world.
The
film begins with a breathtaking but sombre scene at a mountaintop monument,
where an elderly man pays homage to fallen soldiers, setting a reflective tone
for the audience. This serves as a fitting introduction, indicating that viewers
are about to witness the hardships faced by these soldiers. The grandfather’s
tribute to the soldiers in front of his grandchild symbolises the film’s
overarching aim: to educate younger generations about the lesser-known history
of the Gurkhas.
The
story then transports us back to the Malayan emergency of 1948-60, where
Gurkhas fought alongside British soldiers against insurgents. Section commander
Corporal Birkha Bahadur leads the story, embarking on a rescue mission into the
jungles of Malaya with his subordinates. However, their journey takes a
tumultuous turn when they are ambushed by the enemy, resulting in the platoon
getting scattered. Bahadur takes charge, leading a mission to locate and rescue
his comrades, confronting challenges with determination and courage.
The
movie places great emphasis on its casting, particularly Ritesh Chams, who
portrays Corporal Bahadur. It was a pleasant surprise to learn that Ritesh is a
real-life Gurkha, adding authenticity to his performance. His firsthand experience
as a retired Gurkha who served in Afghanistan lends credibility to his
portrayal of Bahadur.
The
film introduces many soldier characters with distinct personalities, blending
humour, mischief and heroism. It follows the familiar pattern seen in war
movies, where soldiers share moments of laughter and camaraderie amid heavy
sacrifices and the longing to return home. While this formula may seem typical
and cliché, it effectively serves its purpose.
I
found the dramatic conflict in the movie intriguing as the characters are
prevented from getting something they want. Effective storytelling requires a
balance of internal and external conflicts to create depth and drive the plot
forward.
For
example, Bahadur’s mission to locate his comrades is met with numerous enemy
attacks, representing external conflict. Meanwhile, internal conflicts arise
from the soldiers' desires to succeed, protect their fellow comrades, and yearn
for home. The weight of their decisions becomes evident when they must choose
between life and death, loyalty and camaraderie.
The
execution of dramatic conflict in the movie is commendable, as both internal
and external conflicts actively oppose each other. Despite facing adversity and
setbacks, Bahadur and his soldiers persevere with determination, reminiscent of
the bravery displayed by characters like Captain America from the Marvel
Cinematic Universe.
Similarly,
the movie extends beyond depicting war scenes to explore the lives of soldiers’
families. It highlights emotional moments as Birkha’s wife and mother anxiously
await his return. This personal dimension adds depth to the story, allowing us
to empathise with the characters and grasp the magnitude of their sacrifices.
Visually,
the movie is striking, thanks to Sudip Baral’s cinematography, which
beautifully captures Nepal’s landscapes. The majestic Himalayan mountains and
meticulously choreographed battle sequences immerse the audience in the midst
of the conflict, capturing every gunshot and evoking a range of emotions.
The
film is being produced in multiple languages, including Nepali, Hindi, English
and Korean.
However,
while the movie endeavours to leave a lasting impression of Gurkha history, its
message and impact somewhat falter in its landing to some extent and are not
that memorable.
The
film heavily relies on sentimentality and patriotism, emphasising the bravery
and legacy of the Gurkhas. At times, this emphasis on sacrifice feels
exaggerated, potentially alienating younger and non-Nepali audiences. While it
may resonate with older Nepali viewers, the film’s emotional approach could
hinder its ability to connect with a broader audience.
Nonetheless,
the movie serves as a tribute to the valiant soldiers. It transcends mere
combat, offering a glimpse into the true essence of the Gurkhas. Watching the
film evokes a sense of gratitude towards these warriors and imparts lessons
about resilience in the face of adversity.
Throughout
history, Gurkhas have faced significant challenges in warfare, with some never
returning and others bearing physical and emotional scars. This reality
persists today, as dangers persist in peacekeeping efforts in war-torn regions.
Thus, the movie stands as an excellent tribute to all those who have fought and
continue to fight bravely.
Director:
Milan Chams
Cast:
Ritesh Chams, Vijay Lama, Rebika Gurung
Year:
2023 in UK and 2024 in Nepal
Language:
Nepali
Duration:
1 hour 55 minutes
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