11th July,2024
Kathmandu — The grand premiere of the film Jaar has been successfully held. After its premieres in the Indian cities of Sikkim and Siliguri—regions with a significant Nepali-speaking population—the film had its grand premiere on Tuesday at QFX Labim Mall in Lalitpur, with the presence of notable dignitaries.
The event began with a dance performance reflecting Magar community culture. Distinguished guests included former Prime Minister and Naya Shakti Party Chairman Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, Lalitpur MP Udaya Shamsher Jabara, actress Manisha Koirala, political leader Hisila Yami, actor Bipin Karki, actress Keki Adhikari, and directors Pradeep Bhattarai, Gyanendra Deuja, Dipendra Lama, and Nawal Nepal, along with a large number of writers and journalists.
After watching the film, most attendees praised Jaar. The movie has been lauded for portraying themes of culture, tradition, courage, love, and heroism. The film’s use of VFX and its music were also widely appreciated.
Dr. Bhattarai said that Jaar, based on a story by Indra Bahadur Rai and set in a 200-year-old context, is a truly original film. He recommended that today’s generation should watch it to understand the historical practice of “Jaar” in Nepal.
He stated, “The director has presented a story cherished by readers with artistic depth. I believe today’s youth should watch Jaar to better understand Nepal’s history. I feel great joy seeing a story by Indra Bahadur Rai—one I read during my I.A. studies—come alive on screen.”
Dr. Bhattarai also highly praised the film’s music and songs by singer-composer Jhuma Limbu and suggested that the government should exempt the film from taxes.
Likewise, Lalitpur MP Udaya Shamsher Jabara described Jaar as a unique and original film, congratulating the team for their outstanding work and stating that the film delivers a powerful social message. He also encouraged the public to go see it.
Actress Manisha Koirala said Jaar reflects the rising standards of Nepali cinema, commenting, “We have recently been producing excellent films, and Jaar is a continuation of that progress. It has brought our history and literature to life through cinema. Despite some technical challenges, our storytelling style is now ready to compete on a global level.”
Actor Bipin Karki called Jaar a significant milestone in the development of Nepali cinema, while actress Keki Adhikari praised director Phurba Tshering Lama for his strong confidence and vision.
Political leader Hisila Yami noted that Jaar resonates strongly with current socio-political issues. She remarked that today’s youth face economic and political hardships that metaphorically “hang around their necks like a jaar (a heavy burden).” She also mentioned the increasing number of young Nepali women being driven abroad and suggested that current government leaders could learn something from watching this film.
Director Dipendra Lama said that Jaar is an artistically exceptional film that raises Nepali cinema to new heights. “The frames resemble paintings, the sound design is vivid, the music is original, the acting is deep—it not only appeals to the senses but also shakes the heart and mind. Jaar adds an important artistic brick to Nepali cinema. Like Sambhala before it, Jaar brought me inner satisfaction. It’s a truly admirable and envy-worthy work.”
Attendees of the premiere openly praised the powerful performances of lead actors Saugat Malla, Anup Bikram Shahi, and Geetanjali Thapa.
After the premiere, actor Saugat Malla expressed his joy at finally working on a film he had dreamed of for 26–27 years. “This is the kind of role every actor dreams of. I had been waiting for this opportunity for years, and now it finally happened. It’s the kind of film you can’t afford to miss,” he said.
Similarly, actor Anup Bikram Shahi said they have tried to portray history on screen and expressed confidence in the audience’s support. “We’ve made an effort to bring history to life. I fully believe that you all will support and embrace this film,” he said.
Based on real events from the 1800s, the film Jaar is set to release nationwide on Baisakh 26 (May 9). The movie is based on a story from 225 years ago by literary figure Indra Bahadur Rai and is directed by Phurba Tshering Lama.
Produced by Fairytale Pictures, Jaar is a socially themed film, which director Lama claims is a “complete package.” He is confident that the film will win the hearts of audiences. The film stars Saugat Malla, Anup Bikram Shahi, and Geetanjali Thapa in leading roles.
Shot in Sikkim, the film is produced in collaboration with Hope Reels, LA Seven Shorts, Baral Studio, and Kewa Productions. Executive producers include Trilochan Pandey, Niraj Rai, Nursang Bhutia, Jyoti Kshetri, and Pema Rinzin Lepcha.
Cinematography is by Saravanan Elavarasu, editing by Akhilesh Rai, and the music is composed by Jhuma Limbu and Ganga Thapa.
Jaar will be released simultaneously in Nepal, India, and international markets. In Nepal, it will be distributed by Apple Entertainment, Reach Entertainment, and FD Company.
