Kathmandu — Director Ashok Thapa Magar's highly anticipated film Jalaki has officially completed principal photography. The final shot was filmed at Pokhara International Museum on Saturday, marking the end of a 39-day production journey that unfolded across some of Nepal's most stunning western landscapes.
Director Ashok confirmed that post-production has begun immediately, and the team plans to release the film's first-look poster and announce its release date within the coming days.
The film stars Upasana Singh Thakuri — who previously won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in director Ashok's debut film Khusma — in the lead role, reuniting with the director for the second time. She is joined by Sonam Topden, Shilpa Maske, Maotse Gurung, Buddhiman Tamang, Astitwa Bhattachan, Sahara Hangma Limbu, Raju Regmi Magar, Usha Khadki, Khadga Bahadur Pun (Khabapu), Luniva Tuladhar, Sangeeta Thapa, Bhawana Magar, Raj Kaucha Gar, and Captain Bijay Lama in a special role, with child actors Munjan Thapa Magar, Nulumma Wantawa Rai, and Rinchi Dhanaha Magar. Miss Sikkim Sahara Hangma Limbu makes her Nepali silver screen debut through this film.
The film is a love triangle rooted in the cultural traditions of the Magar and Gurung communities. The title Jalaki refers to a stone pillar — a symbol of memory and love in Magar cultural tradition — and the film's emotional narrative is woven around that meaning. Shooting took place across three phases in Rukum, Rolpa, Myagdi, Baglung, and Pokhara.
Produced under the banner of M Media Pvt. Ltd. by Om Gharti Magar, Bir Bahadur Lama, Chandra Bahadur Bhattachan, Betane Magar (Babita Rana), Man Bahadur Dhanaha Magar, and Susmita Budathoki, the film features DOP Shailendra D. Karki, music by SD Yogi and Sarit Rai, and lyrics by Surendra Rana, Hark Saud, and Ram Aviral Bisht.
Director Ashok's debut film Khusma set a historic record when its song "Rukum Maikot" became the first Nepali song to cross 100 million YouTube views in five months.