Movie ‘Maya Bhanekai Yasto Hola’ Featuring Dil Shrestha alongside Three Former Miss Nepals

Kathmandu. The production of the new Nepali feature film ‘Maya Bhanekai Yasto Hola’ has been officially announced. The announcement was made during a special program organized in the capital on Sunday on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivaratri.

Through this film, the influential actress of the Nepali cinema sector, Rekha Thapa, has returned to direction after a long hiatus. Having previously directed films like ‘Himmatwali’ and ‘Malika’, this is Rekha's third directorial effort. 

Returning to direction after nearly eight years, Rekha is working under a banner other than her own 'Rekha Films' for the first time. This is arguably the first time in the history of Nepali cinema that an established female director is directing a film for an outside banner.

Produced under the banner of ‘Diya and Amu Films’, this movie will feature a massive team ranging from veterans of the Nepali art sector to current popular faces. The film will star senior artist Madan Krishna Shrestha and Dil Shrestha, along with former Miss Nepals Shristi Shrestha, Namrata Shrestha, and former Miss Nepal International Niti Shah in lead roles.

Along with the announcement, the production team released two first-look posters. The first poster, featuring Dil Shrestha alongside the three actresses—Shristi Shrestha, Namrata Shrestha, and Niti Shah—suggests a story depicting various aspects of love or a potential 'love triangle'. 

In the poster, all three actresses are dressed in grand red outfits (Lehenga and Sari). The color red symbolizes the depth of love, marriage, and relationships. While the poster reflects closeness between Dil Shrestha and Namrata Shrestha, the expressions of Shristi and Niti Shah appear somewhat serious.

In the second poster, actor Dil is seen in an emotional pose alongside a senior citizen (senior artist Madan Krishna Shrestha). Dil Shrestha is seen sitting on the floor holding the hand of Madan Krishna Shrestha, who is in a wheelchair, presenting a story of a child's duty and support in old age.

The title of the film, 'Maya Bhanekai Yasto Hola' (This Must Be What Love Is), seems to seek a definition of love. By featuring the care of the elderly on one hand and the love of the younger generation on the other in the posters, the film aims to appeal to audiences of all ages.

Furthermore, the film will feature performances by Lakshmi Giri, Rajaram Poudel, Bishal Pahari, Sangam Bhandari, Sujata Shrestha, and Binod Poudel, among others. Produced by Hari Narayan Shrestha and Maya Devi Shrestha, the film indicates it will raise social sentiments through a love story.

Sudip Baral is the DOP of the film, with Aniruddha Atreya as the chief assistant director, Rajan Ghimire as the film coordinator, Prashant Siwakoti as the music composer, Sujeni Malla as the dress designer, Priya Karki as the makeup artist, and Suman Tiwari as the production head.

According to the production side, filming will begin in the second week of Falgun. The production team aims to release the film on the occasion of next year's Teej festival.

During the press conference, director Rekha Thapa stated that the film is based on events that have occurred in our own society. She said, "This film raises issues that have happened in your life, my life, and what society has experienced. As a director, I have presented it as a story of the people."

Director Rekha Thapa described actor Dil as a very capable and talented artist. Praising his acting skills, she said, "He is a very capable artist who can give a great performance. If he had continued with films, he would have been well-established by now."

Clarifying the casting of three former Miss Nepals—Shristi Shrestha, Namrata Shrestha, and Niti Shah—together in the film, Rekha added, "They weren't chosen just because they have the Miss Nepal tag. Shristi, Namrata, and Niti were selected because they fit the demands of my film's subject matter and story."

Speaking at the announcement event, senior artist Madan Krishna Shrestha said that working under Rekha Thapa's direction felt like entering a different world. He said, "I am not just a comedian; I have already proven myself in serious roles through films like 'Paran'. I will have a powerful role in this film as well."

Actress Shristi Shrestha expressed that being able to work in this film and share the screen with legendary artists felt like another form of love to her. Similarly, actress Namrata Shrestha described Rekha Thapa as a 'legendary' personality and expressed her excitement about working under her direction.

Writer Dhruva Lamsal, who is returning to writing after 10 years, mentioned that a lot of hard work went into the script. He jokingly said, "I am confident that after watching this movie, my friends won't scold me; instead, they will praise me."