Cultural appropriation at its finest!
I am a massive Gareth Edwards fan. I adored Godzilla and absolutely loved Rogue One. I also loved John David W in Tenet. So regardless to say, I was excited about this film although I found out about it just a week ago when I was browsing the AMC app.
This is a fine movie with massive cultural appropriation problems. From the opening when they mention "Nirmata" as a "Nepali word" instead of a Sanskrit/Hindi word to literally switching all names that are Indian to Asian actors.
As someone from the continent, it is quite jarring to see what you are seeing on the screen. This come across as another ignorant film which tends to ignore Indians, Nepalese, all neighboring cultures and instead ascribing those meanings to another minority culture.
Technically though, they made a good film. I really really wish they cast it right. It sucks when you can tell everyone is doing a good job but still can't enjoy the end product.