Nepali Film Industry Buzzing with Activity as Actors Juggle Multiple Projects

Kathmandu. The Nepali film industry appears highly dynamic at present. More than half a dozen films are currently under shooting, and a similar number are in preparation for production. The number of films in post-production and pre-production stages is also significant. With so many films in various stages, from shooting to post-production, it is natural for everyone from actors to technicians to be busy.

Speaking of leading men in Nepali cinema, everyone from veteran action stars Shiva Shrestha and Nikhil Upreti to the latest generation's Bijay Baral is currently busy. The difference is that some heroes are sweating under the Chitwan heat during action sequences, while others are delivering scenes in front of the camera in the rural settlements of Pokhara. Some are busy in dubbing studios, while others are refining themselves through pre-shooting preparations for their films.

Actor Pradeep Khadka, known for his 'lover boy' image, is currently sweating it out in the heat of Chitwan for the filming of the movie 'Airi'. He will spend another 40 days in Chitwan for this film, which has been in production for about a year. Immediately after that, he will join the set of 'Shubh Bibaha', directed by Sudarshan Thapa, which is currently in the pre-production phase. Pradeep's film 'Eklai' was released recently, which did not fully satisfy his audience. However, he says that 'Airi', which is currently being filmed, will be the kind of film the audience expects.

After the shooting of 'Shubh Bibaha', he will start working on the film '26 Crore', which marks the directorial debut of writer Bikash Subedi.

Bijay Baral, who successfully transitioned from a character actor to a lead role, is currently busy shooting the film 'Zero Degree' in Armalakot, Pokhara. This film, based on a poignant and interesting story about keeping the bodies of parents in a 'deep freeze' until their children abroad return, stars Sanisha Bhattarai opposite Bijay. He will dedicate the next 30 days to shooting this film, after which he will dedicate his time to his film 'Malti Mangale', which is ready for release.

"By the time the shooting of 'Zero Degree' is complete, it will be time to promote 'Malti Mangale'," Baral said, "After that, the schedule for 'Sindure Jatra' will begin. I will be busy shooting that." He mentioned that he will remain busy even after 'Sindure Jatra' as he is still receiving offers for some films. Bijay's workload as a lead actor increased after his film 'Purnabahadurko Sarangi' became a hit.

Versatile actor Bipin Karki is also busy. He has two films running simultaneously, involving both dubbing and shooting. He is currently dubbing for the film 'Pahad', directed by Tulsi Ghimire, set for release on Baisakh 1, while also being busy shooting for the film 'Kaji'. Bipin stated that after completing the remaining shoot for 'Kaji', he will dedicate time to promoting 'Pahad' for its release.

Anmol KC has been busy shooting his home production film 'Batulo Jun' for the past year. The producer of this film, directed by his father Bhuwan KC, is Jiya KC. After completing work on this film, he will start preparations for 'Ae Mero Hajur 5', the fifth installment of the hit film 'Ae Mero Hajur', with shooting reportedly starting in Baisakh.

Shiva Shrestha, known as Nepal's first action star, is preparing for the shooting of the film 'Temke'. The film recently had its auspicious launch ceremony in the capital, with shooting scheduled to begin in a few days. After this film, directed by Devprasad Dhimal, Shrestha will be busy with another film whose title is yet to be finalized.

Action star Nikhil Upreti, who is appearing on screen after a long hiatus, is busy shooting the film 'Kasturi' in Kathmandu. Nikhil will be seen on screen alongside Barsha Shiwakoti and Nisha Adhikari in this film. After 'Kasturi', he will start shooting for 'Paras', to be directed by Krishna Chaulagai. Nikhil's film 'Acharya', which he produced, directed, and starred in, is currently in post-production. Nikhil stated that besides shooting for 'Kasturi' and 'Paras', he will now dedicate time to the dubbing and release of 'Acharya'.

Similarly, actor Naren Khadka is busy working out and attending workshops for an upcoming film. He is preparing for an action film whose title is being kept secret. Khadka said, "Since the name and team are scheduled to be announced at an event, I cannot reveal everything right now," adding, "You will know soon."

Actor Jitu Nepal is currently busy shooting the film 'Panch Pandav' in Kankarbhitta, Jhapa. This social drama, directed by Basanta Niraula, also features busy actors like Aryan Sigdel, Hari Bansha Acharya, and Mahesh Tripathi. He started shooting for this film after recently completing the shoot for 'Karki Syanla'. After the shooting of 'Panch Pandav', he will dedicate time to his production venture 'I Am Jeet Bahadur'. This film has finished shooting and is currently in post-production. He will need to allocate time for the dubbing, promotion, and release of this film, which has a story and direction by Subhendu Ghosh. In his 32-year career, he has become a film producer for the first time with 'I Am Jeet Bahadur'.

Actors Nazir Hussain and Gaurav Pahari are busy shooting the film 'Muktipur'. This film, to be directed by Sunil Pandey, is being produced under the banner of 'Films Production' in collaboration with 'Everest Film Academy'. The film, which went on floors a few days ago with a 40-day shooting schedule, will be in the crime revenge genre.

Actor Deepak Raj Giri, who has produced and acted in five installments of 'Chhakka Panja', is preparing to take the second installment of the 2019 hit film 'Chha Maya Chhapakkai', titled 'Chha Maya Chhapakkai 2', to the floor. The second installment was announced some time ago. It was recently stated that shooting for this film, which was previously announced to start in the first week of Chaitra, will commence soon.

While actors like Dayahang Rai, Sougat Malla, and Mukun Bhusal are currently busy with film work, actor Sabin Shrestha is busy competing for leadership in the Artists' Association. He is presented as a strong contender for the post of President in the 20th General Convention to be held on the 28th. He is competing for the presidency with Rabindra Khadka and Uttam KC. Regarding films, he had announced the production of 'Bagchal' some time ago.