11th July,2024
Kathmandu — A new Nepali feature film based on the life of veteran helicopter pilot Rameshwar Thapa is officially in the works. Titled ‘Captain Saab’, the film will be directed by acclaimed filmmaker Dipendra K. Khanal and is inspired by Thapa’s autobiography ‘Into the Fire’.
The project was formally announced today (Thursday) at a ceremony held in Kathmandu. According to the makers, the film will feature Khagendra Lamichhane in the lead role as Captain Thapa, while Surakshya Pant will play a key character, though her role remains undisclosed for now.
Director Khanal, along with Karan Shrestha and Sristima Khanal, will co-produce the film, while Srijana Napit will serve as the executive producer. The ceremonial muhurat shot was conducted by businessman Dr. Upendra Mahato Kalyap and Captain Thapa himself.
The cinematography will be handled by Krishna Bahadur Thapa, and the shooting will take place in Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Kavre, starting from the first week of Bhadra. Khanal, who has also written the script, aims to present this film on a broader canvas than his previous works, both technically and thematically.
The crew includes:
- Saugat Basnet as chief assistant director
- Bhimsen Shahi (Royal Bhimsen) for poster and publicity design (Trident Concept)
- Aki Thekpa as production designer
- Rohit Raj Gautam and Bishnu Mainali as production managers
What They Said
Dipendra K. Khanal, Director:
“I see this film as my most ambitious work to date, not just in terms of scale, but also in its technical demands. After reading Captain Thapa’s book, I was struck by how extraordinary his life has been. I felt compelled to adapt it into a film. When I first proposed the idea to him, he simply laughed — but later, he agreed.”
Khagendra Lamichhane, Actor:
“Honestly, I’m both excited and a bit nervous. Portraying someone who has lived such an extraordinary life is a big responsibility. I first met Captain Thapa back in 2015. At the time, he told me, ‘If you ever need a helicopter for your film, just let me know.’ I had no idea I’d be playing him in a film one day.”
Surakshya Pant, Actress:
“I feel happy and honored. Biopics are always sensitive, and this project poses a real challenge. It’s a big canvas, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
Who Is Captain Rameshwar Thapa?
Captain Rameshwar Thapa is the Chairman of Simrik Air Pvt. Ltd. and one of Nepal’s most experienced helicopter pilots, with over 10,000 flight hours logged in a career spanning more than 20 years. He is Nepal’s first MI-17 commercial flight commander and first MI-17 instructor pilot.
He has piloted various helicopters including the Bell 407GXP, AS350 B3e (H125), and BK-117, contributing significantly to Nepal’s aerial tourism and aviation safety standards.
Thapa also serves as:
- President of AOAN (Airline Operators Association of Nepal)
- Founding president of the Helicopter Society of Nepal
- Executive Chairman and key investor in Annapurna Media Network (Annapurna Post, Radio Annapurna, and AP1 TV)
The upcoming film is expected to highlight not just his aviation journey but also his contributions to Nepal’s media and aviation sectors.
