'Pahad' Praised at Premiere; Celebrities Applaud Debutant Panchami

The film 'Pahad', which is set for a simultaneous worldwide release including Nepal on Baisakh 1 targeting the upcoming New Year, has been well-received at its premiere. Celebrities who were the first to watch the film, directed by Tulsi Ghimire, openly praised the story and the actors' performances. After watching the film, which depicts unemployment, deserted hills, and water scarcity, director and actor Neer Shah commented that it was like watching an authentic Nepali film.

"The film highlights our Nepali identity. Tulsi ji has showcased contemporary Nepali issues in his own style. It shows us our hills while making us aware of many facts," he said. Actor Bhuvan KC, who worked with Director Ghimire in 'Kusume Rumal', remarked that the film is suitable for the whole family. "The film is very well-made. It’s enjoyable to watch and makes you emotional at times. This film is a complete package," actor KC said.

Similarly, Jitu Nepal, who worked with Director Ghimire in 'Darpan Chhaya', mentioned being moved to tears. "While watching, you don't even realize when you transition from happiness to emotion. Tulsi sir has shown the current situation in his signature style. The film is excellent. I saw Panchami when she was a child, and now she has debuted as a heroine and done a great job. 'Pahad' (The Hill) has truly become as solid as a rock. Families should watch this during the New Year," actor Nepal said.

Directors Deepashree Niraula, Deepak Acharya, Diwakar Bhattarai, and actors Ramesh Upreti and Kiran KC also praised the film, stating it reflects the reality of Nepal. Director and writer Tulsi Ghimire expressed that the feedback made his hard work feel successful.

He stated, "The hills are beautiful places; we have depicted the story of the beauty and harmony alongside the hills that are becoming empty. Although this story is set in the hills, it is a depiction of the entire country. I am very excited by the feedback from the filmmakers who were the first audience."

'Pahad' stars Madan Krishna Shrestha, Bipin Karki, Rabindra Singh Baniya, Sunil Thapa, Renunath Yogi, Uma Giri, and Arun Chhetri, alongside debutante actress Panchami Ghimire. Actor Arun Chhetri expressed that it was a privilege to work with Director Ghimire, whose successful films he had watched since childhood.

"Today is a very important day for me; I have no words to express this moment. He trusted me and gave me a chance, and I am very grateful. I am excited by the positive feedback and looking forward to the audience's reaction," he said.

Director Ghimire's youngest daughter, Panchami, makes her debut with this film. Having previously worked in the direction team with her father, Panchami shared that the experience in front of the camera was new and different.

"It is a touching feeling to see myself on screen. I was taking feedback from others at the premiere and reviewing my own work. This is my first project, and I've had the opportunity to learn a lot from my seniors," actress Ghimire said.

The film portrays the social and economic problems arising from the exodus of youth and the resulting emptiness of the hills. Director Ghimire has also cast Madan Krishna Shrestha (who worked in 'Balidan'), Shiva Shrestha ('Chino'), and Sunil Thapa in 'Pahad'. The film is cinematographed by Pramod Pradhan. Pradhan, who has filmed movies, web series, and telefilms in India, previously collaborated with Ghimire on films like 'Anyay', 'Koseli', 'Chino', and 'Dakshina'.

Under the banner of Bhagyaratna Films Pvt. Ltd., 'Pahad' serves as the debut for Ghimire's youngest daughter, Panchami Ghimire, as an actress. Additionally, Ghimire’s eldest daughter, Bhawana Ghimire, handled the responsibilities of Production Designer.

Ranjit Gazmer is the music director for the film. Presented by Uttam Rasaili, the producers include Surendra Lama Thing, Ojaswi KC, Rimpochhe Lama Thing, Damanti Rasaili, and Uma Giri. Bharati Ghimire serves as the creative producer. The film will be distributed by Venkatesh Entertainment in Nepal and Seven Seas International Films in the diaspora. Publicity design was handled by Royal Bhimsen and Trident Concept. The film features choreography by Kaviraj Gahatraj and Mingma D Lepcha, stunts by Kumar Maharjan, and editing by Shankar Koirala and Bharati Ghimire.