Trailer for 'Pahad' Paints a Picture of Emptying Hills and Water Crisis

The trailer for Pahad is out, and it carries the quiet weight of a story that feels all too familiar to many Nepalis. Set for release on Baisakh 1 — Nepali New Year — the film turns its lens on the slow hollowing out of Nepal's hills: young people leaving, villages emptying, and water growing scarce.

Director and writer Tulsi Ghimire described the film as a reflection of the country's present reality. "The hills are beautiful," he said, "but we've tried to show both that beauty and the story of a place slowly being left behind. It may be set in the hills, but it's really a portrait of the whole country."

The film features a strong ensemble cast including Madankrishna Shrestha, Bipin Karki, Rabindra Singh Baniya, Sunil Thapa, Renunath Yogi, Uma Giri, and Arun Kshetri. The film also introduces Panchami Ghimire — Tulsi Ghimire's youngest daughter — making her acting debut.

Cinematography is by Pramod Pradhan. The film is produced under the Bhagyaratna Films banner, with Uttam Rasaili as presenter and a team of producers including Surendra Lama Thing, Ojasvi KC, Rinpoche Lama Thing, Damanti Rasaili, and Uma Giri. Bharati Ghimire serves as creative producer.