Nepali Film ‘Nakchhong’ Receives Grand Premiere in the UK

Kathmandu – The Nepali film Nakchhong (Bijuwa), which portrays the indigenous traditions and cultural values of the Rai community, was given a grand premiere in the United Kingdom. The special screening took place on July 20 at The Ashford Cinema, drawing a significant turnout from local leaders, businesspersons, VIPs, and members of the Nepali diaspora residing in the UK.

Representing the film team, producer Jyotiraj Rai attended the event and shared that most viewers appreciated the film. Many praised the storytelling and filmmaking quality. The special UK screening was organized by Kirat Rai Yayokkha Prakasa Ashford.

According to the producer, the film will now be screened across 17 branches of Kirat Rai Yayokkha in the UK. Special screenings are also scheduled in five locations across Europe, as well as in Hong Kong, South Korea, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, and more.

The film stars Bhuvan Singh Rai, Yaseli Yonghang, Sushma Subba Gurung, Sara Rai, Tayahang Rai, Anusha Rai, Saroj Rai, Uttam Rai, Purna Limbu, Trichu Rai, Dinesh Koirala, Hem Dilungcha Rai, Uday Subba Kurungbang, Binod Pomo, Tulsha Limbu, Madan Khodung Rai, Sasita Rai Ras Limbu, Mission Bantawa Rai, Sagar Kerung, Babin Rai, and child actor Jeson Rai, among others.

Directed by Kiran Rai, Nakchhong marks his third film following Lunga and Jiu Panchau. Kiran also penned the script, while the cinematography was handled by Babu Shrestha. The screenplay was jointly developed by Kiran Rai and producer Jyotiraj Rai. The film features songs written by Rajan Mukarung and Bishnu Kirati, with music by Dinesh Kaji Bantawa, Anil Koi Rai, and vocals by Nogen Limbu and Pares Rai.

Other key contributors include assistant director Barat Limbu, executive producer Ramu Shrestha, music scorer Monish Niraula, colorist Anil Rana, and sound mixer Sagar Aryal. The film’s production controllers are Giriraj Rai and Kamal Limbu (Sarke).

Producer Jyotiraj Rai emphasized that the film was made to preserve and pass down traditional cultural practices, especially the role of the Nakchhong (Bijuwa) in rituals like festivals, weddings, ancestral worship, and funerals.

The film’s official release date in Nepal has yet to be announced. It will be featured in several domestic and international film festivals before its public release. Jyotiraj Rai has previously produced notable films such as Lunga, Sangam, Triveni, Papi Manche, and One Way, along with popular television series.