Cast: Priyanka Karki, Aryan Sigdel, Sumina Ghimire, Prajwol Sujal Giri, Shishir SJB Rana, Loonibha Tuladhar (Known as Pawankali of Kantipur TV)
Directed By: Sudeep Bhupal Singh “Bobbie”

When is the last time you watched a good Nepali horror movie? Mala is a very scary horror movie about the spirit of a dead girl that haunts people responsible for her death. Directed by Sudeep Bhupal Singh (“Bobbie”), “Mala” is a horror movie starring Priyanka Karki as Mala. The picture also features Aryan Sigdel in the lead role and Sumina Ghimire, Loonibha Tuladhar (Pawankali of Kantipur TV) in supporting roles.

How much do you believe in ghosts? I think there are very less people who don’t believe in ghosts. If you are a science student, you may try your best to somehow prove it wrong. But you have to admit that there have been many evidences of spirits that science is still struggling to prove. Personally, I believe in spirits and this belief has got even stronger after watching science fiction Hollywood movie “Interstellar” which defines about other dimensions such as time and love. Yes, there are many probabilities that some other dimensions might exists which we’ve never imagined and where spirits wander. In the movie, Mala is a girl who was married from a village and sold in India. Human trafficking in Nepal is a serious concern.

“The trafficking of girls from Nepal into India for forced prostitution is perhaps one of the busiest slave trafficking routes anywhere in the world; with estimated 5,000-10,000 Nepali women and girls trafficked to India each year.” – Wikipedia

Poverty is one of the greatest factors that make girls vulnerable to trafficking. Because of poverty, it’s easy to tempt girls or even their parents for marriage. After marriage, it will be easier for them to sell her to the brothels of India. This movie has attempted to portray the condition of a girl named Mala who had similar past. They say it’s the way the story is told rather than how it is, that makes a better film. ‘Mala’ has very fine storytelling and then the message delivered must be appreciated. Maybe after watching this movie, traffickers may hold some fear inside to stop them from betraying others. There is another important message from this movie. Whenever you are going for organ transplant, make sure that the donor of the organ has approved it. Otherwise, the outcome can be worse than death.

The makeup artist did a terrific job to transform beautiful Priyanka to Mala. Her dead body hanging in the tree was even more terrifying. It was good to see every actor performing their best, which is a plus. Priyanka’s performance was undeniably flawless, which was vital since the story revolved round her. Pawankali’s act as ‘Mata’ was exceptional and much terrifying. I panicked the most when she spoke the words of Mala. Background score was really scary and very helpful for movie. There was one moment in the movie that looked little awkward. When Aakash was found dead hanging on a tree, I could see few girls laughing at it.

Plot
Mala is a girl who was sold to a brothel in India and later rescued. After she is rescued, Mala returns to her village, ‘Kuireni Gau’. But she could not tolerate her trauma and decides to suicide. It is believed that ‘unless body of a person is not completely destroyed, their soul strolls around the place and tries to find justice.’ She seeks help from a doctor Neal from his dreams. Neal is an atheist medical doctor and he starts to experience supernatural events, but justifies them with scientific logic. But things start getting worse. He goes to explore the secret thus revealing different hidden mysteries. Finally, Neal finds out Mala’s dead body and burns it with the help of her family. But this is definitely not the end. Watch the movie to uncover more of the movie.

Watch or Not?
If you love horror movies, this is a must watch, but not recommended for weak hearted people.