The 'Shambala' incarnation of Pema

For the younger husband who looks like a son due to his age, he is less of a wife and more of a mother due to Pema karma. Due to the reading of that dawa, Pema gets close to Ram Sir of the village. The society thinks that the growing child belongs to 'Ram Sir'. The childish brain of Dawa believes that to be true. Like the cold sierrato of the Himalayas, this noise makes the heart of Tasi, who is returning from Lhasa, tremble. Tasi, who is returning home, takes this rumor about her lover as true and changes her way. Tasi, who did not find the courage to face the society, goes in search of her husband as soon as she finds out that the road has turned from the Nangla Pass, pregnant Pemaπ

Directed by Meen Bahadur Bham, 'Shambala' is Pema's journey to find answers to the new questions she is facing growing up. Who finds her co-existence in this journey to find a husband. She sees her world beyond society, norms and love. During this journey, Pema's experiences, life philosophy and feelings are very interesting. Pema's life experiences, experiences and struggles are the story of all those women who are still fighting patriarchy. Shambhala is a touch of the soul, breaking down the boundaries imposed by patriarchy.

This is a film where the dialogue is not the visuals. Most of the time in the film, the character speaks Tibetan language, Nepali language is used only in one scene. However, Meen's style of visual language in reading the story is so strong that one does not need to resort to dialogue to understand the feelings of the characters. There is a scene in the film, where all the three husbands are eating in the kitchen, Pema is busy with the stove. This scene of them sitting and enjoying the food is shown for so long that every fun activity that Tasi and Dawa do in between keeps the attention. As the camera slowly pans away from the mirror and back to the real characters, the scene shakes with a speaking image. The scene that seemed real for a long time now seems unreal, like an illusion. This scene is a reflection of the illusions that Pema's life is gradually breaking away from and the realities that are being embraced.

The llama-llama shot that tells the story of 'Shambala' feels rushed without the pace. Again, the characters here are not in a hurry to miss the train to Gorakhpur, but there is a rush to meet Pema with Tasi and tell the truth, Karma who walks along on the journey to support Pema has a sense of duty to serve Rimpoche until his last breath. Before completing this rush and rush, these two will meet the destination of this slow journey. Through this journey to find the destination, the director has touched different lives, and discovered a new discovery of life. Although the story of the film is slow, there are many elements in the film that keep the audience engaged. For example, in one scene of the film, Pema goes to school to meet Ram sir. In the scene, the camera pans to Ram Sir, who is seen in a half-covered body, slumped inside the room. Rama suddenly sees Pema there and covers his body with his hands and feet. This scene creates suspense over the relationship between the two until later. However, in the opening scene of the film, Pema is shown in the same bed with Tasi. However, this scene with Ram has created curiosity among the audience about the relationship between these two. This style of storytelling keeps the audience tied to 'Shambala'.

'Shambala' is a strong film in terms of feminist perspective. Patriarchy says that marriage is a blessing for women. Pema believes that to be true. Patriarchy always sees women as guilty, just as the villagers saw Pema as guilty. Tasi, who lost his way while returning home, believing the words of a batuwa he met on the road to be true, is a representative character of this society. For Pema, Tasi is not just a lover, but a society. Without asking the truth, he thought Pema was wrong and turned his nose to love. So Pema wants to prove herself to the society that she is right. 'Shambala' is also the battle fought by Pema to prove himself right. Because, in a patriarchal society, women have to prove themselves all the time. Pemas are still fighting against the society that sees women as weak, guilty and characterless. Pema also takes a final test to prove herself, by shooting an arrow at the village gathering. Will Pema prove herself innocent by shooting an arrow? After watching the film, you will find the answer within yourself. This is the strength of 'Shambala', the film makes you search for answers within yourself. And, it makes you realize - how long will the pemas continue to prove this society innocent? Why should the child who is growing in the stomach be subjected to an arrow test by asking which one of Tasi/Rama belongs to him? Does a wife need the introduction of a husband for this great act of childbearing? Is he not free to decide on this great work?

Specially, 'Shambala' is the story of a new Pema that Pema meets. On the journey to Nangla Pass, Pema realizes that love is fleeting. The old pema, burdened by society, love and responsibility, is left behind and a new pema is born. Through the images of dreams, the deeper meaning of 'Shambala' is attached here to Pema in a new form. Pema has abandoned past beliefs, old life and embraced a new form. Where she is free to give birth to the child that is growing in her womb. According to Hindu scriptures, Shambala is the place where Vishnu took the incarnation of Kalki. According to Buddhism, Shambala is also the place where the last Buddha was born, after which it is believed that the Kali Yuga will end. Director Bham has repeatedly shown the location between the Setamme mountains and has connected the deep meaning of 'Shambala' with the new nature, new ideas and new incarnation of Pema. As soon as she is pregnant, Pema dreams that sunlight enters the womb, that light spreads throughout her body and she is transformed into Shambala. This spiritual aspect that Meen mixed in the story has empowered Pema's journey and the overall women's struggle. 'Shambala' has become a strong example of female characterization, women's issues and feminist approach. A

film uses many images. The white horse represents Pema as a warrior. Pema Seta is steadfast as a white mountain, she can identify masked masculinity, she can reveal the reality of hypocritical society. She can remove the mask from their faces. In the film, the polygamy system, the life of Dolpa and the cultural aspects are discussed. Like, the shoes that the housekeeper hangs on the door. Even the same shoes hanging on the wall due to the lack of home values ​​show a patriarchal society. In the film, director Meen has integrated the deep spirituality of 'Shambala' with the story. Understanding this interplay requires concentration. Beautiful images of dreams are used to explain it. That interlude is found in the dream scene where Pema blesses Rimpoche. Thinle Lhamo has proved herself to be adept at acting. Karma's performance in a short role is strong. Sonam and Tenzing's acting is good.