Dhiraj Magar Parts Ways with "Jallaki," Sonam Topden Returns to Lead Role

Kathmandu — An unexpected cast change has unfolded mid-shoot on one of Nepal's most anticipated upcoming films. Actor Dhiraj Magar has departed from director Ashok Thapa Magar's film Jallaki, currently being filmed across the scenic landscapes of Kaski district — and his exit has brought with it a compelling full-circle moment for the project.

Sonam Topden, the film's original lead actor, has returned to reclaim his role after recovering from a leg injury that had forced him out of the production earlier.

How It All Unfolded

The story behind the cast change is as dramatic as the film itself. Sonam Topden was the first choice for the lead from the very beginning of the shoot. However, while filming an action sequence for a separate project, Airi, he suffered a leg fracture that temporarily sidelined him. The production team brought in Dhiraj Magar as a replacement, even releasing a romantic poster featuring Dhiraj and leading actress Upasana Singh Thakuri to mark his involvement.

Now, with Sonam fully recovered, Dhiraj has stepped down from the project by mutual understanding with the team — clearing the way for Sonam to step back into the lead role he was always meant to play.

The Film and Its Significance

Jalaki is a love triangle set against the cultural richness of the Magar and Gurung communities. The title itself carries deep meaning — in the Magar community, Jalaki is a symbol connected to memory and love, and the film's emotional narrative is woven around that very sentiment, according to the director.

Leading actress Upasana Singh Thakuri reunites with director Ashok Thapa Magar for the second time following their collaboration on Khusma — the film that earned Upasana the National Film Award for Best Actress. Her return to this director's lens has already generated significant excitement among fans and industry observers.

The supporting cast includes Shilpa Maske, Maotse Gurung, Buddhi Tamang, Astitva Bhattachan, Sangeeta Thapa Magar, Sahara Hangma Limbu, Raju Regmi Magar, and Khadga Bahadur Pun (Khabapu). Notably, Miss Sikkim Sahara Hangma Limbu makes her Nepali film debut through Jalaki.

An Ambitious Production

The film will be shot in three phases across a sweeping range of locations — Rukum, Rolpa, Myagdi, Baglung, Pokhara, and even South Korea — reflecting the scale and ambition of the project. Cinematography is handled by Shailendra D. Karki, with music by SD Yogi and Sarit Rai, and lyrics by Surendra Rana and Ram Aviral Bisht. The film is being produced under the banner of M Media Pvt. Ltd.

Director Ashok Thapa Magar's previous film Khusma set a remarkable benchmark when its song "Rukum Maikot" surpassed 100 million YouTube views in just five months — a historic record for Nepali music. The team is hoping Jalaki will build on that legacy and reach new heights of its own.