Actor Naren Khadka Faces Excitement and Apprehension Ahead of New Film 'Bigul' Release

Actor Naren Khadka is currently experiencing a mix of excitement and apprehension. The reason is the release of his new film, 'Bigul,' after a year and a half. He considers this film, which opens on Friday, a mature turning point in his acting career, hence the excitement. Simultaneously, there is a degree of fear about how the audience will receive the film.

'No matter how much time you spend in this field, there is a certain fear when a new film comes out,' says Naren, who has been active in the film industry for 12 years. 'Every film's success is crucial for an artist.' Therefore, he is actively engaged in promotions to make the film successful.

In an interview with Ratopati, Naren stated that 'Bigul' tells a story about the political aspect of Nepali society. Throughout his film journey so far, he has worked on many fictional stories. However, he explains that 'Bigul' is a non-fiction story. When the script landed in his hands, he felt that this story touched upon an aspect of Nepali society that might be a lived experience for many.

'This is a bit different from the films I have done so far. This film completely touches the ground level,' Naren says. 'The current contemporary context has been subtly depicted in the film.'

The film's trailer has received positive feedback from the audience. Naren and the film team managed to collect audience reactions by screening the trailer and teaser via projector in many places, traveling from the east to the west of the country.

'Many viewers have felt that the film accurately portrays the current political situation and anomalies in the country,' Naren says. 'We are receiving feedback that such a complete political drama has not been made in the Nepali film industry until now.'

Naren plays the character named 'Bibek' in the film. 'Bibek is a character who unknowingly gets caught in the deep whirlpool of politics,' he elaborates on the character, 'The film shows through Bibek how the game of power and self-interest in Nepali politics affects the life of an ordinary person.'

He shares that the role of Bibek in the film was challenging and message-driven. He further adds, 'This character initially becomes a victim of political maneuvering, but as time passes, he starts raising his voice against the injustice done to him and the disorder in society. He emerges as the representative voice of the common people.'

Naren explains that the main story of the film is about how an ordinary youth becomes a rebel due to circumstantial compulsion. 'It is a package carrying social and political sensitivity. It doesn't just have entertainment; it also has a sense of family relationships and social responsibility,' he says.

He expects the film, set for release on Friday, to give a new momentum to his career. The film, directed by Ramesh Koirala, stars prominent actors like Benisha Hamal, Neer Shah, Ramesh Budhathoki, Saroj Khanal, Hemant Budhathoki, Shishir Wangdel, and Meera Pandit. His pairing in the film is with actress Benisha Hamal. Collaborating with Hamal was a new and pleasant experience for him.

'We have known each other as friends for many years, but Benisha is a very sincere artist in her professional life,' he continues, 'Working with Hamal brings a positive energy.'

He understands that the facilitation between actors and their honesty towards their work is what makes a film good. Naren debuted in acting in 2013 with the film 'Hamesha' opposite Rekha Thapa. A fascinating aspect of his career, having worked in 13 films so far, is that he has had the opportunity to work with a new actress in every film. From Rekha Thapa to Rajani KC, Barsha Raut, Surakshya Panta, and now Benisha Hamal, he has had the chance to share the screen with many talents. His wish is to work again with Rekha Thapa. 'I want to work with Rekha again, but I haven't gotten the chance. That day will surely come,' he says.

Naren, who possesses a tall stature and a well-built physique, entered the glamour world around 2010 through fashion shows. He has since featured in over 200 music videos and only then jumped into films after receiving acting training from Birendra Hamal at Yam Art Theatre and at Anupam Kher's studio in India.

Naren has appeared in chocolatey and serious roles in films so far. However, personally, he is a big fan of action films.

'I entered this field inspired by the action of Nikhil Upreti and Biraj Bhatt dai,' he shares, 'But I haven't had the chance to star in a full-fledged action film yet. If I get an opportunity just once, I will work in action films back-to-back.'

He has experienced that the Nepali film industry has changed significantly and become more challenging compared to the past. 'The struggle now is tougher than before. New artists coming in are much smarter and more prepared,' he says. 'We also need to change ourselves according to the times and work even harder.'