"Paanch Pandav" Begins Shooting in Jhapa with Star-Studded Cast Led by Haribhansa Acharya and Bale

Kathmandu — One of the most eagerly anticipated Nepali social dramas of the year has officially gone on the floor. Paanch Pandav, produced under the banner of Kali Rani Films, commenced principal photography on Monday with a formal camera puja at Kakarbhitta, the Nepal-India border town in Jhapa district.

Despite its mythologically resonant title, Paanch Pandav is not a religious or period film. The production team has been clear: this is a contemporary social drama that uses the symbolic imagery of the five Pandavas from the Mahabharata as a lens through which to tell a very modern story about society, relationships, and human character.

A Cast That Commands Attention

The five lead actors — each representing one of the "Pandavas" — form one of the most compelling ensemble lineups in recent Nepali cinema. Haribhansa Acharya, Jitu Nepal, Aryan Sigdel, Mahesh Tripathi, and Sagar Lamsal (Bale) will share the screen in the film's central roles, bringing together a mix of veteran comic genius, dramatic depth, and youthful energy that promises genuine on-screen chemistry.

The female leads will be played by Deepashree Niraula and Jani Gurung.

A Strong Creative Team

The film is directed by Basanta Niraula and written by Sushil Poudel — one of Nepali cinema's most respected screenwriters, best known for crafting the widely celebrated film Prasad, which earned strong praise from both critics and audiences. His involvement as the writer of Paanch Pandav has significantly raised expectations for the quality of the storytelling.

Presenter Navin Shrestha confirmed that given the caliber of the cast — particularly the inclusion of a legend like Haribhansa Acharya — the film carries a high budget and no compromises will be made on production quality. Producer Kali Rani Shrestha is backing the project with that commitment firmly in place.

Cinematography will be handled by Shyam Tamang, with the majority of the approximately 40-day shoot taking place across various locations in Jhapa.