11th July,2024
Kathmandu – A new Nepali film titled “Relko Bato” (The Railway Track) is set to be produced with the aim of portraying the social, political, and infrastructural realities of the Karnali region on screen. The film will be directed and written by Laxman Sunar and is being produced by Kasturi Production Pvt. Ltd. in collaboration with Red Umbrella Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.
At the film’s official announcement, the production team also unveiled a thematic poster. The poster shows a gate with the text “Gaunpalika Bhawan Udghatan” (Rural Municipality Office Inauguration) and below it, a large banner that reads, “Welcome to the Prime Minister”. This visual hints at a critical commentary, implying that Karnali has been reduced to a ‘showcase laboratory’ for state experiments.
Suraj Pandit will compose the music, Nisal Paudel will handle cinematography, and the poster was designed by Rakesh Dahal. The film’s executive producer is Nagendra Ghimire, and the distribution rights have been acquired by Kafiya Films. A striking line on the poster—“Take your Singha Durbar (central government), give me back my village”—delivers a powerful emotional and political message, highlighting state neglect.
According to director Sunar, the film will revolve around themes such as the struggles of ordinary people, the relationship between husband and wife, and political indifference. Major story elements will include lack of road access in Karnali, difficulties in healthcare, interference in development projects, and neglect from the central power structure.
The film is scheduled to begin shooting in various districts of Karnali at the end of this year and is planned for release in 2083 BS (2026 AD). The script is currently in its final phase, and casting will be confirmed soon, the production team announced.
Previously, a music video titled “Relko Bato” gained significant attention, and the upcoming film—carrying the same name—aims to vividly depict the pain of remote communities and the elusive hope of a railway that never arrives.
