Damaru ko Dandibiyo is a unique Nepali film as it is the first to spotlight Nepal's former national sport - dandibiyo. The story revolves around a son's dream to revive this traditional game in Nepal, following in the footsteps of his father, who had also attempted the same during his youth. However, the father, now more practical, discourages his son from pursuing this passion, urging him to focus on his career and aim to become a public servant instead.
The film highlights depiction of dandibiyo itself. The rules and excitement of the game are explained beautifully, giving viewers a nostalgic and educational experience. The film's use of music is commendable trying to add depth to the narrative. However, the inclusion of Panche Baja type music in a couple of scenes felt out of place and somewhat disrupted the film's flow.
While the story has potential and is moderately engaging, it could have benefited from deeper exploration of the characters and plot. The weak screenplay limits the film's ability to fully immerse the audience in its narrative.
Despite these shortcomings, the performances are top-notch. Anup Baral and Menuka Pradhan deliver outstanding performances, carrying much of the emotional weight of the story. Their acting adds credibility and depth to their characters, making the film more enjoyable.
In a nutshell, Damaru ko Dandibiyo is an original Nepali film rooted in local culture and tradition. Though it could have been improved in terms of screenplay and storytelling, it remains a commendable effort to revive interest in dandibiyo and stands out for its originality.
