Nepali New Wave Cinema

Kagbeni

This 2008 film loosely based on W W Jacob’s 1902 horror story The Monkey’s Paw is perhaps best known as the first successful non-mainstream Nepali movie. Krishna returns from Malaysia and is reunited with his childhood friend, Ramesh. Their lives forever change after receiving a talisman with tantric powers from a sadhu. After this, the story becomes a drama that unfolds at two levels: the real and the occult. Bhusan Dahal's directorial debut stars Saugat Malla, Deeya Maskey, Nima Rumba, Hanif Mohammed and Pooja Gurung.

Kalo Pothi: The Black Hen

This 2015 drama takes place in Mugu district during the Maoist conflict. Two boys Prakash and Kiran, belonging to different castes raise a hen together, but when it disappears they start a perilous journey. They are caught in the crossfire of the insurgency, unaware of the atrocities that lie ahead. Kalo Pothi is the first Nepali film to be screened at the Venice Film Festival. The cast includes Khadka Raj Nepali, Sukraj Rokaya, Jit Bahadur Malla, Benisha Hamal, Hansa Khadka and Bipin Karki. Directed by Min Bahadur Bham.

Prakash

Set in the post-monarchy Jumla, Prakash follow the titular character played by Pradeep Khadka, a poor labourer who dreams of becoming a teacher in a government school. It is also a story of his mother Sita portrayed by Diya Maskey who is still searching for her missing husband. The film expertly depicts the struggle borne out of political change, the life of Jumlelis in one of the most neglected parts of Nepal and class difference. Debutant Renu Yogi also does a fair job in this film directed by Dinesh Raut.  

Chiso Manchhe

When a Nepali migrant worker dies in Qatar, his father and wife travel to Kathmandu to retrieve his body. They are then accompanied by a driver who is taking them back home to their village in Bajura district in far west Nepal. Set against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing restrictions, the three face numerous obstacles in the way highlighting the political and social discrimination faced by ordinary Nepalis by agencies of the state. Directed by Dipendra K Khanal with Swastima Khadka, Arpan Thapa and Desh Bhakta Khanal in lead roles.

Ainaa Jhyal ko Putali

Directed by Suresh Bidari, the film revolves around two siblings, Bidya and her younger brother Basanta. An excellent student and aspiring poet with big dreams, Bidya struggles with the societal pressure of being a girl in society despite having a supportive mother. When Basanta sees his sister slowly giving up on her dreams, he desperately tries to give her the hope she has lost. Staring Kanchan Chimariya, Dinesh Khatri, Siru Bista, Bisha Chamling Rai, Raj Thapa, Umesh Shrestha, Mallika Shrestha, Ashok Siwakoti and Prasanna Paudel. The movie is Nepal's entry into the Oscars and has been praised as the best example of the Nepal New Wave