Kathmandu — The title song of Roll No. 1 has been released, and it is doing more than setting a musical tone — it is making a pointed social argument. Written, composed, and sung by Prashant Shiwakoti, the song places the pressure-filled culture of academic ranking at the center of its story, told through the eyes of a child from a rural Nepali village.
The song critiques a system that values only the student who finishes first, satirizing the notion that everyone else is somehow lesser. It explores how the obsession with ranking — the endless pressure to memorize and compete — shapes young minds in ways that can be harmful and deeply unfair. Visuals of Himalayan landscapes, traditional stone houses, and a rural school setting provide the backdrop, while a child studying by candlelight contrasts painfully with his suppressed desire to simply go out and play with his friends.
The film carries the tagline "Har Vidyarthi Ko Katha" (Every Student's Story), a reminder that the story it tells is not exceptional but universal.
Directed by John Yonjhan, Roll No. 1 features Mukun Bhusal, Sushank Mainali, Renu Yogi, and Sirjana Adhikari in lead roles, with child actors Nirbhik Regmi, Rinchen Lama, Sanyam Katuwal, and Sijal Shrestha. The film was shot across the mountainous and rural areas of Myagdi, with DOP Shivaram Shrestha, music by Prashant Shiwakoti, background score by Rohit Shakya, production design by Kala Sangraula, and editing by Madan Ghimire.
The film is produced by Vinod Paudel and Janvi Paudel under Seven Seas Cinema, with co-producers Chhatramaya Giri and Ramesh Chaulagain. The story is written by Mahesh Dawadi. Roll No. 1 will release both in Nepal and internationally on Jestha 15 (Republic Day), with distribution handled by Rich Entertainment and JM Cinema.