Mukesh Bhusal's New Film 'Roll Number 1' Based on Educational Theme

Kathmandu. Mukun Bhusal's latest film is 'Roll Number 1'. This film, which will be screened from next Friday (Jestha 15), is based on an educational theme.

'In our society, 'Roll Number 1' is not just about being first in class, but also a matter of social prestige,' he says, 'It's like a gold medal in an undeclared war.' He revealed that although he has half a dozen films, he chose this film because he liked the subject matter.

'Along with the start of the academic session, not only the children entering school, but also the parents have a desire to see their children become 'first' than others. The film Roll Number 1 is made on that story,' Mukun revealed the story of the film. He said that the film will also show the intense competition to make children excel in every field including studies, sports, arts, and extracurricular activities.

For an established artist, the decision of which film to choose and which to leave is considered very sensitive. In some cases, commercial success and in some cases, the lure of fame influence such decisions.

'The film was going to be directed by my classmate John Yonjan,' he revealed the second reason for choosing the film, 'It was also a story of rare educational and social psychoanalysis.' He also considers this film an important step in his acting career. In the film, Mukun plays the main character named 'Sanchar'.

Sanchar is a father who is struggling amidst poverty, deprivation, and hardship, but is trying his best to make his son first in the eyes of society. According to Mukun, 'Roll Number 1' is not just a film but also a mirror of Nepali society.

'Sanchar is a representative father who, despite his financial hardship and social deprivation, is in a race to make his son first in the classroom at all costs, 'Roll Number 1',' Mukun says, 'This tendency, which has grown in our society, where parents impose their unfulfilled dreams on the tender shoulders of their children, is represented by Sanchar.' Nirbhik Regmi plays his son in the film.

The film reminds us of a time a few decades ago, when apart from telling children to 'study, study', other skills or arts were not highly valued. According to Mukun, although issues of child rights and mental health are being raised today, in the past, children were subjected to excessive pressure. He said that the film also raises serious questions about the examination system.

Bhusal, who is fiercely trying to make his son number one on screen through the film 'Roll Number 1', was never the first student in his real school life. He himself considers himself a below-average student. His life took a new turn when he enrolled in Oscar Film College to study film. He took learning as fun rather than a burden. 'Learning in a field of interest becomes easy. When I studied film, I never felt pressure, rather I learned a lot with enjoyment,' says Mukun.

This film, made by Binod Poudel, producer of 'Purnabahadurko Sarangi', stars Sushank Mainali, Renu Yogi, and Sirjana Adhikari alongside Mukun.

• Artist is a medium for the director

Mukun debuted in acting with the film 'Bulbul'. He became established with the character 'Chopendra' in this film. It is so ingrained in the audience's minds that even after playing different roles in dozens of other films, many still recognize him as Chopendra. Erasing this impression is another challenge for him now.

'Some characters are so indelible that the audience will always love them. It is a challenge for me to create another character's impression,' he says, 'I don't want to erase that identity, but rather establish myself among the audience with new characters.'

Bhusal is an artist skilled in acting. All the films he has appeared in so far are character-driven. He has the experience that producers do not cast him in romantic and action films.

Bhusal has a clear view on acting - 'An artist is a medium for the director.' If the same artist performs well in one film and poorly in another, he blames the director more than the artist. He believes that the director's understanding of the artist, the environment they provide, and how they establish the character determine the level of acting. Mukun is one of the lucky artists who got opportunities in acting immediately after studying film.

• Now interested in theater

Mukun, who became widely known from his first film 'Bulbul', has not been able to make much of an impression with his subsequent films. However, he has been continuously getting films. He said that he never imagined reaching this point and getting continuous films while being involved in films. Currently, he has about half a dozen films, including 'Roll Number 1', yet to be released.

He is studying scripts for a similar number of new films and is very satisfied with his acting journey. 'If my debut film 'Bulbul' had not been believed by the audience, how difficult this journey would have been,' he says, 'The debut film gave me a strong foundation.'

Recently, many film actors have chosen the theater. Mukun also has that desire. He is getting offers for it from time to time. He has not been able to give time due to being busy with film shooting. 'I have a great desire to act in a play by making time someday,' he says, 'The beauty of theater is performing in front of a live audience and getting immediate feedback.'