Former PM Sushila Karki Calls "Ek Mutthi Badal" an Art Film at Private Screening

Kathmandu — The private screening of Ek Mutthi Badal — releasing publicly on Jestha 1 — drew a distinguished audience including former Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Nepal Congress leader Sunil Kumar Thapa, journalist Narayan Wagle, and director Aman Pratap Adhikari, among others.

Former PM Karki, who describes herself as a rare cinemagoer who prefers older films, was invited through a personal connection to the film's production team. Her assessment was thoughtful and generous: "This feels like an art film to me. It shows today's society and tells the story of a middle-class family. It's the story of one night and the following morning. It is also a conflict between the old generation and the new Gen-Z generation — where accepting old traditions is a little difficult for today's children. The clash between modernity and traditional family values is visible in the film."

She also spoke about the film's portrayal of economic inequality: "A daughter from a middle-class family marries into a similar background. The husband seems a little looked down upon. Another daughter comes back from studying in America — her parents have sold their property to give her opportunities. The film shows how family inequality is experienced."

Director Aman Pratap Adhikari was the most effusive: "This is the best Nepali film I have ever watched. If anyone asks me about Nepali cinema, I will recommend Ek Mutthi Badal."

Ek Mutthi Badal is directed by Sahara Sharma in her debut, and stars Aanchal Sharma, Nisha Sharma, Usha Rajak, Bhima Mainali, Asmita Gautam, Shekhar Chapagain, Manish Niraula, Sahayog Adhikari, Gaurav Bisht, and Aviralpartap Adhikari. Produced by Abhimanyu Dikshit and distributed by RR Films.