‘Feri Resham Filili’ movie review: A blend of comedy, emotion, and social message

KATHMANDU: The trend of Nepali youth seeking opportunities abroad continues to rise, whether by choice or necessity.

Addressing this pressing issue, filmmaker Niroj Maharjan has brought ‘Feri Resham Filili,’ a sequel to the 2015 film ‘Resham Filili.’

While the director and lead actress Menuka Pradhan have changed, most of the original cast remains.

Plot Summary

The story revolves around Resham (Vinay Shrestha), an innocent and gullible character. Tricked into going abroad once before, the villagers mockingly call him “Katare” (a reference to Qatar). The film opens with villagers eagerly filling out DV lottery applications. Resham, initially uninterested, gets forced into applying by a local character named Hajmola. Unexpectedly, he wins the lottery, turning his life upside down.

Suddenly, the villagers, who once ridiculed him, start treating him with respect. They offer him gifts and even propose their daughters for marriage. His mother (Laxmi Giri) is showered with kindness, but Resham remains focused on changing their circumstances by moving to the U.S.

However, Hajmola cannot accept Resham’s luck and tries to sabotage his journey, even stealing his passport. Aware of the threat, Resham keeps his passport tied to his sacred thread (janai). The story takes a dramatic turn when, on the day of his departure, his mother is kidnapped.

Another central character is Murari (Kameshwar Chaurasia), a struggling Bhojpuri film actor whose movies continuously fail. In a desperate bid for success, he borrows money from Jwala (Neer Shah), a menacing villain who wants to send his daughter to the U.S. under the guise of filmmaking. The film follows their intertwined struggles.

Will Resham save his mother? Will he make it to America? How does Murari escape Jwala’s grasp? These questions unfold in an unpredictable narrative.

Trailer:

Review

Director Niroj Maharjan successfully retains the essence of the first film, with Vinay Shrestha, Kameshwar Chaurasia, and Neer Shah delivering strong performances. While actress Supushpa Bhatt shows potential, her performance could have been more polished. The supporting cast does a decent job.

‘Feri Resham Filili’ strikes a fine balance between comedy and emotional depth. The screenplay keeps the audience engaged with unpredictable twists, while the dialogues add humor and relatability. The songs further enhance the film’s appeal. The cinematography captures the beauty of Nepal’s Terai region and parts of Kathmandu.

The pacing is fast, maintaining audience engagement throughout. However, the climax feels unnecessarily prolonged. Despite this, the unexpected turns keep viewers hooked until the end.

Why Watch It?

‘Feri Resham Filili’ delivers a powerful message: rather than chasing dreams abroad, true happiness lies in staying with family in one’s homeland. With a blend of humor and heartfelt moments, the film is a great watch for those who enjoy comedy-dramas with a social message.

-Tenzing Dolma Tamang