Sudhir is a passionate man who starts his day early, delivering fresh cow milk from his farm. With passion and care, he places cartons of milk on his bike and sets off wearing his helmet. He finds infinite joy in what he does and harbours love and respect for the cows he farms, evident through dialogues and proclamations like, “The milk doesn’t belong to me, it’s the cow’s milk.” In a world where most products undergo rounds of manufacturing, Sudhir takes pride in the purity of the milk he sells.

Despite his honesty, some shopkeepers tamper with his milk, adding water as soon as he leaves. This highlights the challenges faced by Sudhir, a milk farmer, as depicted in the film ‘Gopi’. The movie explores his struggles, combining entertainment with important messages and genuine, relatable characters. Although the film’s tone is a little off-kilter and the storyline uncertain at times, its engaging plotline and meaningful characterisation make it worth watching.

The main character, Sudhir, also known as Gopi, is a kind-hearted, animal-loving individual whose life revolves around his cow farm. Sudhir passionately advocates for the rights of cow farmers and the fair pricing of milk. He even goes to the extent of immersing himself in cow milk to emphasise his dedication. Actor Bipin Karki, known for his method acting, portrays Sudhir authentically, capturing the depth of his character and dreams.

However, Sudhir’s strong dedication creates challenges in his relationship with Sujata (played by Surakshya Pant). Sujata, who oscillates between affection and indifference, fails to comprehend Sudhir’s passion for being a cow farmer. She neither supports his efforts to improve the economic situation for farmers nor respects his choices, often belittling him with hurtful remarks like ‘gober Ganesh’ despite his objections. While occasional glimpses of affection are evident, Sujata’s character lacks depth and revolves solely around her relationship with Sudhir. Her eagerness to embrace an urban lifestyle abroad highlights their contrasting aspirations, leading to the inevitable end of their relationship—a theme central to the film, as Sudhir is determined to make a difference in his own country.

In contrast, his relationship with Usha (Barsha Raut), a veterinary doctor, is marked with shared compassion and love towards animals. I usually dislike love triangles, finding them adding unnecessary drama rather than genuine storytelling. However, the affection between Sudhir and Usha feels authentic. Their connection is portrayed through various encounters where Usha empathises with Sudhir's cows and shares helpful ideas for managing the farm. A significant moment occurs during their date at the zoo, highlighting their compatibility due to their shared passion for animals. Despite this, Usha’s character remains underdeveloped, limited to her relationship with Sudhir.

The film delves into the themes of ‘green card’ and foreign employment, playing a central role in the storyline. Sudhir’s father (Prakash Ghimire), is determined to obtain a green card and, failing to do so himself, projects this desire onto Sudhir. This situation becomes even more tragic when you realise that Sudhir’s father, a deputy secretary, is financially stable and holds a good job, raising questions about his eagerness to leave the country. Director Dipendra Lama astutely critiques society’s fixation on and idealisation of life abroad, a point driven home when Sudhir contemplates leaving the country, feeling pushed to the edge.

The narrative is propelled by Sudhir’s unwavering commitment to his dreams. In the first half, the screenplay illustrates his honest attempts to establish a successful business with his cow farm. However, external factors, primarily the system, hinder his efforts. The film portrays a cycle of compulsion, ambition, and tragedy that sheds light on the challenges faced by honest workers against societal and governmental constraints. Compulsion arises as Sudhir resorts to using a vitamin to increase milk production, complying with rising grain prices. And ambition comes into play when his colleague misuses the vitamin, leading to tragic consequences as the cow’s health deteriorates significantly.

In the second half of the film, Sudhir faces challenges, but the writing leans too heavily on dramatisation, which slightly diminishes the authenticity of the story. The initial part portrays his struggles realistically, showing his natural responses to difficult situations, such as resorting to using a vitamin due to high milk prices. Sudhir, as an active protagonist, takes charge to start anew, bringing hope to the story.

However, the script falters in maintaining a consistent tone. Towards the end, there’s an odd mix of comedy, including a police chase and cow theft, along with a melodramatic showdown involving music and cows. While this might be intentional, it affects the sensitivity of the overall storyline and emotional depth.

Nevertheless, the film offers a satisfying experience as we cheer for the hardworking protagonist, overcoming challenges and fighting against the villains and the system. ‘Gopi’ is a feel-good movie that leaves you happy and hopeful, reminding us that dreams can come true—a message we all appreciate in movies.

Gopi

Director: Dipendra Lama

Cast: Bipin Karki, Barsha Raut, Surakshya Pant

Year: 2019

Duration: 2 hours 2 minutes

Language: Nepali

Available on: YouTube