Kathmandu — Nepali cinema is getting a dose of dark, satirical humor. Production has officially commenced on Zero Degree, a dark comedy film that kicks off with one of the most inventively absurd premises to emerge from the Nepali film industry in recent memory.
The film's camera rolled for the first time at the Armalakot Temple in Pokhara Metropolitan City-16, with veteran actor Prakash Ghimire, actor Vijay Baral, storyteller and actor Rajan Bhusal, and actress Sharda Silwal featuring in the opening shot. The entire shoot — scheduled across 35 days — will take place in the natural and traditional village settings of Armalakot and Dhital village in Kaski District, giving the film an authentic rural backdrop that perfectly suits its story.
A Premise Unlike Any Other
The story at the heart of Zero Degree is as darkly funny as it is surprisingly poignant. Set in a remote village with poor road connectivity, the film follows the chaotic and satirical chain of events that unfolds when a deep freezer must be hauled up a mountain to preserve the bodies of deceased parents — while the family waits for their children, working abroad, to return home for the funeral.
It is a premise that brilliantly captures the tragicomedy of Nepal's foreign employment reality — the long distances, the delayed arrivals, and the impossible situations left behind — wrapped in sharp wit and village-level absurdity.
A satirical song from the film, "Areh Ho Netaji," was released even before shooting began, generating early buzz around the project.
The film is jointly directed and written by Aakash Baral and Sajan Kafle, and is produced under the banner of Meghaulee Films with Moti Karki serving as executive producer.
The cast is rich with both established and beloved names from Nepali cinema. Vijay Baral and Sanisha Bhattarai lead the film, supported by senior artists Vasundhara Bhusal and Ramesh Budathoki. The ensemble also includes Prakash Ghimire, Lokendra Lekhak, Rajan Bhusal, Sanjog Rasaili, Pravesh Mahatara Kshetri, Sharda Silwal, Sabina Thapa Kshetri, Rambaabu Regmi, Subash Gajurel, and Baasu Khanal, among others. Casting was handled by Sanjog Rasaili.
On the technical side, cinematography will be handled by Nishal Poudel, editing by Chhannas Pun Magar, and color grading by Rajendra Moktan. Music is composed by Ankit Babu Adhikari with lyrics by Yuvraj Kafle. Distribution will be managed by Kuber Cine Distribution outside the Kathmandu Valley and DCN within the Valley.
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