Other meanings of Gurkha
Cinema
Gurkha is a 2019 Nepali-language action drama film directed by Milan Chams and starring Pradeep Khadka, who also co-wrote the screenplay. The film follows a young Nepali man who joins the British Army's Gurkha regiment, only to confront moral dilemmas during a peacekeeping mission. It was released on 7 June 2019 and became one of the highest-grossing Nepali films of that year, noted for its realistic portrayal of Gurkha soldiers and its critical stance on the use of force in conflict zones.
The story centers on Bir Bahadur Thapa, a young man from a rural Nepali village who enlists in the British Army's Gurkha regiment, following a family tradition. After rigorous training, he is deployed on a peacekeeping mission in a conflict-ravaged country, where he witnesses atrocities committed by rebel forces. Ordered to suppress a civilian uprising, Bir faces a crisis of conscience, ultimately choosing to protect innocent lives even at the cost of his military career. The narrative explores themes of duty, honor, and the psychological toll of war, culminating in a courtroom drama where Bir defends his actions.
Filming took place in Nepal and abroad, with the production aiming for authenticity in depicting Gurkha training and military life. The film was produced by Pradeep Khadka under the banner of Pradeep Khadka Films, with a budget estimated at NPR 2.5 crore. It was released on 7 June 2019 across Nepal and in select international markets, including the United Kingdom and Australia, to cater to the Nepali diaspora. The film's soundtrack, composed by Alish Karki, featured songs that became popular, including the title track performed by Khadka himself.
Gurkha received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised Khadka's performance and the film's bold political message. It grossed over NPR 10 crore at the box office, making it one of the highest-grossing Nepali films of 2019. The film sparked discussions about the role of Nepali soldiers in foreign armies and the ethics of peacekeeping operations. It was also noted for its realistic action sequences, which were choreographed by Hollywood stunt coordinator Lee Whitaker. The film was later screened at the Nepal International Film Festival, where it won the Best Actor award for Khadka.
Beyond its mainstream success, Gurkha is notable for being one of the first Nepali films to address the controversial issue of Gurkha soldiers' involvement in the 2001 Afghan conflict. The film's portrayal of a Gurkha soldier disobeying orders was inspired by real-life incidents, though the specific events are fictionalized. The production faced challenges, including a fire on set that destroyed some equipment, but the crew managed to complete filming. Additionally, the film's title track was recorded in both Nepali and English versions, a rarity for Nepali cinema. The film also features a cameo by retired Gurkha officer Colonel (Retd.) Krishna Bahadur Thapa, adding authenticity to the military scenes.
This article is about the 2019 Nepali film. For the ethnic group and soldiers, see Gurkha.
Help improve the encyclopedia. Reports go straight to the site manager.