Nepali Film 'Prabasi Jiban' to Tell the Story of Migrant Life and Mental Health

Kathmandu — Actor Rajesh Hamal has stated that the film ‘Prabasi Jiban’ (Migrant Life) tells the story of Nepalis who travel abroad carrying dreams of a bright future.

While providing information about the film, which is set to be released across Nepal from Falgun 15, Hamal mentioned that the reason he joined the project was its subject matter and the message it conveys. 

He said, “I met the director and actor Shyam Ji while I was in the United States. His passion for acting made me ready to perform. The subject depicted here addresses the issues of Nepalis living abroad in some way or another.”

The film, which captures the story of migrant life including the struggles faced by Nepalis who reach the United States from Nepal for a bright future and stability, is jointly directed by Shyam Chhetri and Ram Adhikari. Shyam Chhetri, one of the directors, stated that the film was prepared with the joys, sorrows, ups and downs, and challenges of migrants as the main theme.

He said, “Anyone who reaches a foreign land will find themselves or their surroundings in this story. We often discuss the physical pain we see, but we tend to ignore the mental torture being experienced. Therefore, we have shown that time and the beautiful future that follows in the film.”

He added that since the film was prepared by focusing on mental health issues and their solutions, it would be fruitful in understanding the lives of migrants closely. 

Along with director Chhetri himself, the film features Rajesh Hamal, Sarita Lamichhane, Buddhi Tamang, Mahadev Tripathi, Angela Basnet, Gagan Subedi, Lokesh Bhitrikoti, Dibya Neupane, Abigail Luhar, Prasu Giri, and Shikha Adhikari in significant roles.

‘Sizzle and Sister Foundation for Nepal’ is also collaborating on the film, which actor Hamal and actress Lamichhane joined specifically due to its subject matter. Filmed entirely in the scenic locations of America, the movie is jointly produced by Shyam Chhetri Production and National Media Production. 

It was produced by cinematographer Rabin Acharya, who has previously produced films like ‘Dying Candle’, ‘Chakkar’, ‘Jai Shree Daam’, ‘KTM Cocktail’, and ‘Sarita’. Producer Acharya explained Hamal’s involvement as a testament to the attraction of the subject matter.

“The subject also provides awareness; it is a story connected to the light and darkness of migrant life. We believe that the issue of mental health, which we discuss very little, and the beautiful life that follows will provide inspiration. This has become a film that must be watched to understand family members living abroad,” said producer Acharya.

The story, screenplay, and dialogue of the film were prepared by director Chhetri himself. It features cinematography by Amrit Bisuwa, editing by Ram Adhikari, background music by Subash Sinchuri, makeup by Devi Khatiwada, sound recording by Raj Shankar and Pratik Sarki, music creation by Navin Karki, and chief assistant direction by Laxman Adhikari. 

Singers such as Pramod Kharel and Pratap Das have lent their voices to the film. The movie will be distributed by RR Films.