US and Canada Screening Rights Sold for ‘Jalaki’, Directed by Ashok Thapa Magar

KATHMANDU – The international screening rights for the United States and Canada have been sold for “Jalaki,” the second film directed by “Khusma” fame Ashok Thapa Magar.

Director Magar said the US and Canada rights have been sold. PNM LLC bought the screening rights for the two countries. Magar said the release date in the US and Canada will be set in consultation between the distributor and the producers.

The teaser has been released, along with the songs “Kalejiko Chheu,” “Chandi Jalap” and “Jale Rumal Mayalai.” The songs and teaser have been drawing attention from audiences. In particular, more than one million TikTok videos have been made to the song “Chandi Jalap.” The other two songs have also been popular on Reels and Shorts. The released songs and teaser have generated buzz and raised audience anticipation for the film.

The film, which releases on Mangsir 4, centres on the faith, culture, traditions and emotions of the Magar and Gurung communities. According to Magar, “Jalaki” is a word for a stone-built pillar known as a symbol of the Magar community’s faith, memory and love. He made the film around that word. Magar said the film brings together the culture, traditions and emotions of the Magar and Gurung communities, with this cultural symbol at its centre.

The cast includes Upasana Singh Thakuri, Sonam Topden, Shilpa Maskey, Maotse Gurung, Buddhi Tamang, Astitwa Bhattachan, Sahara Hangma Limbu, Rajani Gurung, Raju Regmi Magar, Usha Khadki, Khadak Bahadur Pun, Lunibha Tuladhar, Sangita Thapa, Karma Lama Tamang, Bhawana Magar, Raj Kaucha Magar and Duisang Thing. Captain Bijay Lama appears in a special role, and the child actors are Munjan Thapa Magar, Nulamma Bantawa and Rinsi Dhanaha Magar.

Sahara Hangma Limbu, a winner of the Miss Sikkim beauty pageant, makes her Nepali film debut with this film.

Produced under the banner of M Media Production, the film’s producers are Om Gharti Magar, Birbahadur Lama, Chandra Bahadur Bhattachan, Betane Magar (Babita Rana), Man Bahadur Dhanah Magar and Sushmita Budhathoki. “Jalaki” will be distributed by Govind Shahi’s Kafiya Films and Kuber Cine Distribution.