“Jhola” is a Nepali historical drama based on the short story by Krishna Dharabasi. It highlights the inhuman Sati tradition, where widows were forced to self-immolate on their husband’s funeral pyres prevalent in Nepalese society until the 1920s when Chandra Shamsher, the Prime Minister of Nepal, officially abolished the practice.
The 2013 film was directed by Yadav Kumar Bhattarai and produced by Malati Shah, Ram Gopal Thapa, Raj Timalsina and Sushil Shah. The main plot of Jhola centers on the life of Kanchi, a young woman in early 20th-century Nepal, portrayed by Garima Panta, who is married to an elderly man, portrayed by Deepak Chhetri. After her husband’s death, she is expected to follow the traditional and horrifying custom of Sati. Instead of accepting this cruel fate, Kanchi escapes moments before the ritual and hides in a nearby cave. Her young son, Ghanashyam, portrayed by Sujal Nepal, secretly helps her survive, bringing her food and staying by her side. Despite the constant fear of being discovered, Kanchi’s will to live and her love for her son drive her forward.
The story exposes the harshness of a society bound by oppressive traditions and highlights the emotional trauma women endured under such customs. Through Kanchi’s courage and her son’s innocence, Jhola becomes a powerful tale of resistance, motherhood and the fight for dignity and change.
The film’s authenticity is strengthened by Deepak Bajracharya’s cinematography, which effectively captures the essence of the era, alongside Jeshan Kunwar’s evocative music. Garima Panta’s performance as Kanchi earned her the Best Actress award at the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation(SAARC) Film Festival in 2014, according to the movie review.
Jhola is a powerful film that highlights the harsh realities of the Sati tradition and the strength of a woman’s fight for survival. With strong performances and striking cinematography, the film effectively portrays the emotional and social struggles of its characters. Jhola serves as both a historical reminder and a call for change, making it an important watch for those interested in social issues and Nepali culture.
Edited by Eden Conrad and Jeremy Ford
