Direction/Story: Upendra Subba

Cast: Dayahang Rai, Miruna Magar, Bijay Baral, Prem Subba, Pushkar Gurung, Anil Subba, Richa Sharma, Rekha Limbu, and others

Cinematography: Sanjay Lama

Editing: Nimesh Shrestha

Producers : Rambabu Gurung, Madhu Mijar, and Jiwan Gurung

Story/Screenplay Score: 2.5

Before talking about Jaari 2, let’s go back to Jaari. In a hilly village in Panchthar in 1995, a childless Limbu couple, Namsang (Dayahang) and Hangma (Miruna), constantly fight over their inability to have a child. The husband calls the wife ‘barren,’ and the wife calls the husband ‘impotent.’ When the argument escalates, Namsang lays a hand on Hangma. Hangma goes to her parents’ house. Namsang doesn’t go to persuade his wife. In the meantime, Hangma marries someone else.

The result is that, according to the Limbu custom of Jaari (a customary fine/restitution for remarrying), Hangma is unable to pay the fine and is forced to live in Namsang’s house as a servant. In the end, Namsang apologizes for his mistake and mends his relationship with Hangma. The story concludes with the childless couple giving birth to a daughter.

The question is, does Jaari 2 have the same intoxication of a captivating love story set against the backdrop of Limbu culture, as Jaari did?

The sequel begins with Namsang and Hangma’s sweet relationship. Their daughter has grown up and started school. The previously rude Namsang has now started enjoying the Dhan Nach (paddy dance), playing the Chyabrung (a traditional Limbu drum) given by his brother-in-law and singing Palam (Limbu folk songs). But he has little regard for his domestic responsibilities, spending days and nights roaming with friends, playing the Chyabrung.

This inevitably takes a toll on Hangma. The burden of the house and her husband’s attitude are gradually breaking her patience. Meanwhile, on his way home carrying the Chyabrung, soldiers puncture Namsang’s drum. Seeing the hole in the Chyabrung given by her brother, Hangma considers it an insult to herself and her family. Before Namsang can explain, the argument escalates. He hits Hangma again. Learning about the insult to the Chyabrung and the beating of his sister, Hangma’s brother tries to attack Namsang. Namsang tells Hangma to leave the house, threatening to call her relatives to beat him. Hangma is forced to leave for her parents’ house, leaving her young daughter behind.

Up to this point, Jaari 2 is similar to the first part. The only addition is the story of the Maoist Armed Conflict. Once, during a fair, when a fight breaks out, Namsang is taken into custody by the Maoists. What impact does this have on Namsang and his family, caught in the grip of the country’s political conflict? Does the feud between Namsang and Hangma flare up like a fire or does it subside? The audience is left to find this out.

In the first part, various dimensions of the consequences arising from the Jaari custom in the Limbu community were shown. In the sequel, the dimensions of relationships affected by the conflict’s ripples are not depicted with the same emotional and artistic depth. This is because the story itself is weak. The distance between the pre-interval and post-interval parts is like two sides of a mountain.

Jaari 2 is said to be the story of the Chyabrung, the happy music of the Limbu community. The beginning of the film also hints that the Chyabrung will play a significant role in the story. The puncturing of the Chyabrung is strongly established as a symbol of a weakening relationship. But suddenly, the story shifts, with the ‘Chyabrung’ being replaced by the ‘Gun,’ and it wanders off track.

The film’s dialogues and comedic timing are capable of making the audience laugh and, in a few places, feel emotional. The authentic Limbu accent adds a sense of originality. However, without a strong establishment of the intimate relationship between Namsang and Hangma, this story of their relationship’s ups and downs feels bland.

Acting Score: 3

Dayahang and Miruna’s pairing are in the main roles in the film. This pair feels natural, just like before. The scene where Hangma is crying, and Namsang is sitting silently beside her is a powerful scene in the film. Bijay Baral’s acting as Mangalsen has matured further. Even when he is angry, his expressions thoroughly entertain the audience.

Although Richa Sharma has a brief but important role, the conclusion of her character is weak. Anil’s character, which appears strong before the interval, also suddenly becomes weak after the intermission. Buddha’s acting seems only average.

Prem Subba, Pushkar Gurung, Kamalamani, Upendra, Rekha Limbu, Bedana Rai, Srijana Ninglekhu, and the child artist Uniska Mukarung Rai, all look suitable for their roles.

Technical Score: 3

The film successfully manifests the Limbu culture through its costumes, attire, musical instruments, food, environment, and props. In this aspect, the film is strong. However, Jaari 2 is weak in terms of cinematography.

Although little attention was paid to making the music an integral part of the story, the work of Kovid Bajra, who scored the background music, and Uttam Neupane, who handled the sound design, is commendable. The audience can feel the sounds heard in the background, matching the story and the setting, in many places.

Direction: 2.5

Director Upendra Subba makes films by mixing humor and seriousness. He has the ability to authentically narrate the environment he has lived and experienced. His effort to create cinema in Jaari 2 by linking the stories of ordinary people with cultural and political contexts must be appreciated. He attempts to capture a specific context of conflict-era Nepal that society is beginning to forget and examine its impact on individuals and culture. Making a sequel with the same characters, the same setting, and the same energy as the original is not an easy task.

Perhaps that’s why, after Jaari’s success, he had said, “I won’t make a sequel to Jaari.” Despite this, Jaari 2 was made.

Since a sequel was made, a comparison with Jaari is inevitable. From that perspective, Director Subba seems to have built Jaari 2 on a weak story foundation. While many called Jaari a ‘masterpiece,’ Jaari 2 is an average movie.