Everest Film Academy Steps Into Production as "Muktipur" Marks Director Sunil Pande's Feature Film Debut

Kathmandu — A new chapter has begun for both Nepali filmmaker Sunil Pande and the country's leading film training institution. The crime-revenge thriller Muktipur has officially commenced production, with a formal clap and script puja ceremony held at the Indrayani Temple in Basundhara, Kathmandu, on Tuesday — marking the start of shooting as well.

For director Sunil Pande, Muktipur represents his long-awaited debut on the big screen. Having built a solid foundation directing short films and documentaries, Pande steps into feature filmmaking with a story entirely of his own creation — a tale of revenge, resilience, and redemption centered on a family thrust into extraordinary circumstances.

"This film will offer audiences a story and performance different from anything I've done before," said lead actor Nazir Hussain, expressing confidence that Muktipur would mark a significant milestone in his career.

Equally notable is the film's institutional backing. Everest Film Academy — a pioneering institution that has spent the past decade training aspiring professionals in acting, directing, editing, cinematography, and sound — is stepping into film production for the very first time through this project. The film is being produced under the banner of Sahiba Films Production in collaboration with Everest Film Academy.

The film is produced by Vijay Rajvanshi and Roshan Paswan, with Vishal Shrestha serving as executive producer and Keshav Gautam as co-producer. Sanjay Gurung and Suraj Chaudhary are the line producers. The technical crew includes cinematographer Sarad Mahato, conflict director Samrat Basnet, art director Aki Thakpa, and production head Rupak Pratap Adhikari.

The film boasts a strong ensemble cast led by Nazir Hussain, Gaurav Pahari, Prakash Shah, and Evanraj Upreti. Notably, Aakriti Budathoki — who previously gained visibility through music video appearances — makes her silver screen acting debut with this film. She expressed excitement about joining an experienced cast and crew, saying she is committed to doing full justice to her character.

The supporting cast includes Ghanshyam Joshi, Saraswati Adhikari, Anil Kurmi, Swayam KC, Haron Ali, Uday Ali, Sara Sharma, Anamika Lamichhane, Bikash Khanal, Rupesh Lama, Ayan Pariyar, Shrawan Ramtel, Bhola Shah, Safal, Gopal Mahatara, Bimal Yadav, Ojaswi Bikram Bist, Sudip Timilsina, and Pravin Kumar Chaudhary, among others.

Scheduled for a 40-day shoot, the film does not yet have a confirmed release date. However, executive producer Vishal Shrestha stated that the team aims to bring Muktipur to theaters within six months of completing principal photography.