On the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, the film ‘Yogmaya’ has been officially announced. The announcement took place after the script and poster worship ceremonies at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu and Yogmaya Shakti Peeth in Bhojpur.
At Yogmaya’s Samadhi site in Bhojpur, the script and poster worship was performed by Navaraj Basnet (son of late Pahalman), Bhupal Basnet (chairman of Yogmaya Shakti Peeth), Guru Damodar Bhandari, film’s writer and technical director Netra Chhantyal, Udas Bairagi, Bhupal Kathet (chairman of Yogmaya Sports Committee), Tikaram Bhandari, Binod Bhattarai, Madhusudan Bhattarai, Jagannath Adhikari, Jivanath Subedi, Neelmani Khanal, Somnath Bhandari, Krishnamaya Nepal, Hoda B. Kathet, and Vidyaraj Neupane.
Similarly, at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, the script and poster worship was conducted by the director Rimesh Adhikari, actors Shiv Shankar Rijal, Laya Sangraula, and others, officially announcing the film.
The film is being made on the life of Yogmaya Neupane, a Nepalese woman from Bhojpur who took a stand against the Rana regime and chose to sacrifice herself through water immersion with 67 of her followers.
During the time of Juddha Shamsher Rana, Yogmaya fought against the societal evils such as discrimination, untouchability, child marriage, Sati, and bonded labor, while advocating for the establishment of a religious state and societal transformation. Through meditation and yoga, she had thousands of followers.
Yogmaya boldly confronted Juddha Shamsher several times, demanding reforms. However, after being betrayed by the Rana ruler despite promises, she, along with 67 followers, took water immersion in the Arun River. Her sacrifice played a key role in the eventual downfall of the Rana rule, which ended nine years later.
Film producer and director Rimesh Adhikari mentions that the film will portray Yogmaya’s struggle and sacrifice. He and Netra Chhantyal have spent over a year researching, discussing with historians, and studying various books to prepare the film’s script.
The film has two songs ready, with lyrics by Dr. Aas B. Tamang and former minister Shankar Koirala, and music composed by Binod Khambu and Thaneshwar Gautam.
The film, presented by Rimesh Adhikari Film Production, is being produced by Navaraj Basnet, Bharat Sangraula, Ishwar Kumar Shrestha, and Madhav Thapa.
Confirmed cast members include Benisha Hamal, Laya Sangraula, Ramesh Budhathoki, Mohan Niraula, Dinesh DC, Shiv Shankar Rijal, Vishal Pahari, Manoj Shakya, and child artist Poshan Shrestha.
Director Rimesh Adhikari also mentioned that the selection process for legendary and theater actors is still ongoing.
The shooting for ‘Yogmaya’ is scheduled to begin in Nepali New Year 2082 (April 2025).
