Review: A legendary tale of two people who puts love above everything, Gasa Lamai Singye and Changyul Bhum Galem is back on the silver screen at the City Cinema hall in Thimphu.

This is a heart-breaking ancient romantic tale that has travelled generations. It is a story that has inspired a lot of filmmakers, writers, lyricists and poets even to this day.

The movie starts with Singye and Galeem as a child, portraying their different lifestyles only to be intertwined by a fateful event in Punakha years later. Galeem, who is now known for her beauty, a role played by Tshering Zam, stumbles her way to Singye, who is an official serving in Punakha Dzong, played by Sonam Tenzin.

They fall madly in love and their extraordinary love and commitment for each other is soon tested by the events that unfold.

Directed by Sonam Lhendup Tshering and produced by Sonam Tenzin, the movie makes an attempt to portray the real life events that occurred some seven centuries ago through age-old costumes that are worn by the characters and the film’s remote settings. The acting skills portrayed by the lead and supporting actors are commendable. There are a few melodious songs to break the monotony for the audience who already know the full story.

Though the tragic love story is not revered throughout the world like the Shakespearean Romeo and Juliet or the Taj Mahal, this undying love still touches every Bhutanese heart when they hear it.

This movie is a must see if one is into romantic-themed movies. Make sure to go with your loved ones and don’t forget some tissues too.

The movie, which has been screening for the past week, is about two and a half hours long.

Thinley Zangmo