It is rare for a woman to direct an action film in the history of Nepali cinema. Previously, Raksha Singh Rana directed the action film The Game, and Rekha Thapa directed Himmatwali. Pitambar, directed by Krisha Chaulagai, is possibly the third feature film in Nepal helmed by a female director.
This is Krisha’s second directorial feature, following Aincho Paincho. The concept for Pitambar had been developed earlier, and the film is now in its final stages of release preparation. It is expected to hit theaters around the Nepali New Year and belongs to the action-drama genre.
Reflecting on her journey, Krisha shares, “Since Aincho Paincho was my directorial debut, I was eager to see how audiences and the film industry would respond. That film held a special place in my heart, and it was well appreciated.” After its release, she collaborated with various writers to design the script for Pitambar.
Krisha describes Pitambar as a full-fledged action film. With fewer action films being produced in Nepal, she believes this will offer audiences a fresh cinematic experience. She explains, “Action films require a significant budget and time, making them a risky venture for producers. However, Pitambar will fulfill the audience’s desire to see Pradeep Khadka in a new avatar. Many viewers have wanted to see him in an action role, and this film will make that possible.“
When asked why she prioritized action, Krisha states, “It’s a genre that intrigues everyone. Writing the script alone took nearly a year and a half. For a long time, films were being made with a singular focus. While some filmmakers advocated for showcasing local stories, I wanted to create a film that went beyond imagination.“
She adds, “A filmmaker should have creative freedom, and that’s what I sought to achieve with Pitambar. It has been a while since such a film was made—one that can attract mass audiences to theaters. Drawing the masses to theaters is a filmmaker’s success, and that’s why I created Pitambar.“
Krisha is confident that Pitambar will be a thoroughly entertaining film, ensuring that audiences’ time and money are well spent. “Viewers will get to see multiple leading actors in a single film. For the first time in Nepal, we have shot with three cameras simultaneously and imported several technical equipment from abroad,” she reveals. “The film will establish a strong connection with the audience.“
When conceptualizing Pitambar, Krisha immediately thought of Pradeep Khadka for the lead role. “I needed an actor with Aryan features, a slight beard, and strong acting abilities. Pradeep perfectly fit these criteria,” she explains.
She further elaborates, “Pradeep is different from others. A director’s perspective on an actor is crucial, and as a performer, he is a true gentleman. His looks are unique, and he thrives in a relaxed environment. However, it is equally important for those around him to be just as friendly, which made him the ideal choice.“
The film’s story revolves around a star, so the team prioritized casting actors who have won audiences’ hearts through stellar performances. “We wanted a multi-starrer cast where no actor would seem less significant than another. While the three main actors were predetermined, more actors joined as the film progressed,” Krisha shares.
Since human emotions resonate universally, Pitambar also revolves around a deeply emotional storyline. The film was shot in the Terai region, but Krisha believes location does not hinder the portrayal of human sentiments. “The Terai is geographically convenient, and we sourced equipment from India. Working near the border made logistics easier,” she states.
Action has always been Krisha’s favorite genre. She finds its energy and cinematic scale unparalleled compared to other genres. “I am confident that after watching the trailer, audiences will decide to watch the film,” she asserts.
She recalls one of the biggest challenges during filming—coordinating the schedules of the three lead actors and other supporting characters, including the villain, in a single frame. “I was present for every action sequence on set. Managing the actors’ schedules was extremely difficult. The choreography had to balance realism and feasibility; even if my character demanded a high-degree kick, it had to be realistically justified,” she explains.
Pitambar is set to release on Chaitra 29 (April 11, 2025).
