Director of 'Khushma', Ashok Thapa Magar, Begins Production of New Film ‘Jalaki’; Actress Upasana Singh Thakuri in the Lead Role

After the release of his film Khushma on Asoj 3 last year, famed director Ashok Thapa Magar is now working on a new film titled ‘Jalaki’. A few days of shooting had already been completed in the month of Chaitra. The second phase of filming is now set to begin from Asoj 21.

On Ashar 30, at the National Film Awards distributed annually by the Film Development Board, actress Upasana Singh Thakuri won the award for Best Actress for her performance in Khushma. She will also play the lead role in Jalaki, sharing screen space with actors Dhiraj Magar and Sonam Topden. In Khushma, she was also paired with Dhiraj Magar. This has made their pairing in Jalaki highly anticipated by audiences.

On Monday, two posters featuring Dhiraj Magar and Upasana Singh Thakuri from the film were released. The posters were designed by Royal Bhimsen from Trident Concept. The film also marks the Nepali silver screen debut of Miss Sikkim, Sahara Hangma Limbu.

Based on a triangular love story, the film stars Shilpa Maskey, Mao Tse Gurung, Buddhi Tamang, Astitwa Bhattachan, Sangita Thapa Magar, Raju Regmi Magar, and Khadka Bahadur Pun (Khabpu). The production team mentioned that casting for other roles is still ongoing.

‘Jalaki’ refers to a stone pillar that symbolizes faith in the Magar community. It is considered a symbol of memory and love. According to director Ashok Thapa Magar, the filming of Jalaki will be completed in three phases.

The film will be shot in various locations of Rukum, Rolpa, Myagdi, Baglung, Pokhara, and even South Korea. It aims to reflect the culture of the Magar and Gurung communities.

The film's producers include Om Gharti Magar, Bir Bahadur Lama, Chandra Bahadur Bhattachan, Betane Magar (Babita Rana), Man Bahadur Dhanah Magar, and Sushmita Budhathoki.

Produced under the banner of M Media Pvt. Ltd., the Director of Photography (DOP) is Shailendra D. Karki, the line producer is Raju Regmi Magar, and the chief assistant director is Mahesh Baral. Music is composed by SD Yogi and Sarit Rai, while songs are written by Surendra Rana and Ram Aviral Bista.

Director Ashok Thapa Magar’s debut film Khushma featured the song ‘Rukum Maikot’, which became the first Nepali song to cross 100 million views on YouTube in just five months, setting a historic record.