In a time when the Nepali film industry was heavily influenced by Indian cinema, not just in terms of acting and direction but also in storylines, the trend of copying plots became rampant. This trend continues with the recent Nepali film *”Actor: Take One,”* which borrows heavily from an old Hindi film narrative. Like old wine in a new bottle, the film fails to bring anything fresh to the table. It revolves around the age-old themes of gold smuggling and love triangles, attempting to captivate the audience with a story that feels outdated and irrelevant in today’s context.
The film, directed by Rajan Bhushal, begins with Vijay Mahesh Tripathi narrating the story of three main characters—Kushal, Prerana, and Prakriti—to director Nischal Basnet. The protagonist, Kushal (played by Pradeep Khadka), is a young man from a middle-class family who dreams of becoming a superstar. Despite declaring himself a star, Kushal faces numerous challenges in his pursuit of fame. His mother (Sirjana Adhikari), who runs a beauty parlor, has ensured he lacks nothing, but Kushal’s obsession with branded clothes and luxury hints at his deeper aspirations.
When Kushal gets a chance to become a superstar, he clings to it desperately. However, his dreams are derailed when director Vivek (Divyadev), who promises to make him a star, gets arrested in a gold smuggling case. This twist introduces a new dimension to the story, as Vivek, even from jail, guides Kushal to track down the gold smugglers. During his investigation, Kushal travels to Pokhara, where he meets businessman Dhiraj Jung (Rajvallabh Koiral) and his daughter Prerana (Divya Rayamajhi). A love triangle ensues between Kushal, Prerana, and Prakriti (Ana Sharma), adding layers of drama to the plot.
The film attempts to juggle multiple themes—gold smuggling, love triangles, and Kushal’s struggle for stardom—but fails to deliver a cohesive narrative. Director Rajan Bhushal seems more focused on stretching the story to set up a potential sequel rather than creating a compelling standalone film. While the movie might entertain those looking for a commercial, masala-filled experience, it disappoints viewers seeking meaningful storytelling.
The performances are a mixed bag. Pradeep Khadka delivers an average performance as Kushal, while Ana Sharma shines in her role as Prakriti. Divya Rayamajhi, making her debut, fails to leave a lasting impression. Supporting actors like Pradeep Kumar Chaudhary and Badal Bhatt provide some relief with their commendable performances. However, the screenplay and dialogues do little to engage the audience, leaving them underwhelmed by the time the credits roll.
In recent years, the Nepali film industry has shown promising growth, but *”Actor: Take One”* highlights the need for fresh narratives and innovative storytelling. While the film may appeal to a niche audience, it falls short of meeting the expectations of modern viewers who crave originality and depth in cinema. The industry must prioritize new styles and talented artists to stay relevant and impactful in the evolving world of filmmaking.