
The Nepali film ‘Jaar’, based on the renowned story by literary figure Indra Bahadur Rai, is set to release across theaters in Nepal on Baisakh 26. Directed by Phurba Chiring Lama, the film features Saugat Malla, Anup Bikram Shahi, and Geetanjali Thapa in lead roles.
According to actor Saugat Malla, ‘Jaar’ is a story he had wanted to act in two decades ago. The moment he read Indra Bahadur Rai’s story, he was drawn to it and wished to portray a character in it. Now, after 20 years, that dream has finally come true.
“I watched the play ‘Jaar’ at Gurukul 27 years ago,” recalls Saugat. “Although I couldn’t act in it at the time—because I was already cast in another film—I did read the script. Some stories or novels stay with you for days, and ‘Jaar’ was one of them.”
He says he was surprised when the film offer came two decades later. “I would have accepted any role in ‘Jaar’, not just the lead. But being offered the lead role made me even happier,” he added.
While reading the book, Saugat said the character he now plays gave him goosebumps. “After Kagbeni, this was the role I kept close to my heart. When Indra Bahadur Rai once visited Gurukul, I told him I hoped to act in ‘Jaar’ someday. I had already signed another film then, but I promised myself that if ‘Jaar’ ever became a film, I would play that character.”
Saugat revealed that he remained mentally immersed in the character for three months after reading the story. “The story pulled me in so deeply that I felt like I had already performed it. When you fall in love with a story, and dream of acting in it—whether on stage or in a film—it almost feels like you’ve already done it.”
Receiving the opportunity to portray that very character years later, he says, was a matter of both destiny and good fortune. “This is the film I dreamed about, and now I’m living that dream,” he said.
He also expressed interest in working on another story by Indra Bahadur Rai but declined to name it, saying, “It’s best not to speak of things before they happen.”
Now that his 27-year-old dream has been fulfilled, Saugat feels deeply satisfied. “Even though I couldn’t act in the play, my wish came true through the film. While working on the film, I often felt as if Indra Bahadur Rai was watching me perform.”
The film ‘Jaar’ is based on events that took place over 225 years ago. In it, Saugat plays a character who elopes with the wife of Anup Bikram Shahi’s character. “That was a very intense role,” he says. “Portraying a historical character from the 1800s involved many risks and challenges—be it the language, the culture, or the laws of that time. It was especially challenging to act as someone who takes away another man’s wife.”
Director Phurba Chiring Lama describes ‘Jaar’ as a socially rooted yet complete cinematic package. He is confident the film will resonate deeply with audiences.
The film stars Saugat Malla, Anup Bikram Shahi, and Geetanjali Thapa in lead roles. It was shot in Sikkim in collaboration with Hope Reels, LA Seven Shorts, Baral Studio, and Kiwa Production.
The executive producers include Trilochan Pandey, Neeraj Rai, Nursang Bhutia, Jyoti Kshetri, and Pema Rinzing Lepcha. The film’s cinematography is by Saravanan Elavarsu, editing by Akhilesh Rai, and music by Jhuma Limbu and Ganga Thapa.
‘Jaar’ will be released simultaneously in Nepal, India, and international markets. In Nepal, the film will be distributed by Apple Entertainment, Reach Entertainment, and FD Company.