Women-Centric Film "Tika" Holds Formal Muhurt, Priyanka Karki and Barsha Siwakoti Call It a Career-Defining Project

Kathmandu — The much-anticipated women-centric film Tika (Stateless Soul) has officially commenced production with a formal script, camera, and clap puja ceremony held at Baglamukhi Temple, Patan on Thursday. Directed by Shankar Karki, who was absent from the ceremony due to a family matter, the film has set a release date of Bhadra 26, timed to coincide with the Haritalika Teej festival.

The film is a production of Bhabishya Films Pvt. Ltd. and Third Eye Arts, produced by Bhabishya Khadka, who also produced the blockbuster Jerry on Top and is a co-producer on the Dashain-targeted Batulo Jun. She described Tika as a story that addresses serious social discrimination faced by women, and said that her experience from Jerry on Top had directly shaped her approach to this new project.

Lead actresses Priyanka Karki and Barsha Siwakoti both described the film as one of the most significant projects of their careers. "For me, this film, this journey, and my character are all very special," Priyanka said. "The story being told through this film is perhaps one that has never been presented or shown before. I am extremely excited." Barsha expressed confidence in the collaborative chemistry among the team, citing her producer and co-stars as a source of strength.

The cast also includes Mahesh Tripathi, Nirmal Sharma, Parbati Adhikari, and Ayushi Dhakal. The story is by Shankar Karki and Chandan Jha, with screenplay by Bishwas Timsina (BT Kanchha). Music will be composed by Kaliprasad Baskota and Ketan Kshetri, with cinematography by Narendra Mainali. Executive producer is Tejbikram KC.