Legendary Director Tulsi Ghimire Returns with ‘Pahad’: A Debut for His Daughter

The king of Nepali family dramas, Tulsi Ghimire, is officially making a comeback. The director behind cult classics like Darpan Chhaya and Kusume Rumal has announced that his latest film, Pahad, will hit theaters on Baisakh 1, 2083 BS (New Year’s Day).

This isn't just another movie; it’s a family affair. Ghimire is introducing his youngest daughter, Panchami Ghimire, as the lead actress. His elder daughter, Bhavana, is the production designer, and his wife, Bharati, is the creative director. After a long break since Darpan Chhaya 2, the veteran filmmaker is returning to his roots—telling stories that smell of the Nepali soil.

A Story of Empty Hills and Broken Homes

Pahad tackles one of the most painful realities of modern Nepal: migration.

The Theme: The film focuses on deserted villages in the hilly regions. As the youth leave for foreign employment, the mountains are left with only the elderly and empty houses.

The Message: Ghimire aims to show the "bitter reality" of the social and economic crisis caused by this mass exodus. He wants the audience to feel a personal connection to the disappearing culture of the highlands.

A Reunion of Legends

One of the biggest draws for movie lovers is the cast. Tulsi Ghimire has managed to reunite with some of his most iconic collaborators:

Madan Krishna Shrestha: Working together again after their legendary collaboration in Balidan.

Sunil Thapa: Reuniting with the director decades after playing the unforgettable villain 'Rate Kaila' in Chino.

Modern Stars: The film also features powerhouses like Bipin Karki, Rabindra Singh Baniya, and Arun Chhetri.

The Technical Dream Team

The film looks like a technical masterpiece in the making. Ranjit Gajmer, the man behind the most soulful music in Nepali cinema, is the music director. Meanwhile, Pramod Pradhan has returned to Nepal after 30 years in the Indian film industry to handle the cinematography. Pradhan previously shot Ghimire’s hits like Chino and Dakshina, so we can expect some breathtaking visuals of Gorkha and the Himalayas.

Actually, releasing the film on the New Year is a classic Tulsi Ghimire move. He has always believed in movies that the whole family can watch together during holidays. At first, some might think this is just a "nepotism" project for his daughter, but given the heavy social theme and the legendary cast, it feels like Ghimire is putting his entire legacy on the line for this one. Or at least, he’s trying to remind us why he was the king of the box office for three decades.