Kathmandu, 18 March: Movies have played an important role in promoting tourism in Nepal. The captivating scenes shown in the movies not only attract the audience but also inspire them to visit such places. Nepal, filled with snow-capped mountains, natural beauty, religious sites and cultural diversity, is being introduced to the world through movies.
This has inspired not only the Nepalis living abroad but also the locals to increase their interest in domestic tourism, said film director Rishiraj Acharya. His latest film ‘Draupadi’ was shot in the scenic landscape of Dolpa district. During the nearly 46-day shoot, he captured local art, culture, and civilization, as well as Thulibheri, Suligad, Tarapkhola, and Jagadulla rivers in the film. Director Acharya said that the scenic landscape of Tripura Sundari Devi temple, Shey-Phoksundo, and other places will help in promoting tourism.
“One of the reasons why many filmmakers, including me, visit places like Manang, Mustang, Dolpa and others is for movies or music videos. When we got there, we heard that people came to visit after watching movies. A street in Mustang is named after the Nepali movie Jerry. Therefore, movies help promote art, culture and tourism,” said Director Acharya.
At a press conference organized in Kathmandu on Monday evening to provide information about the film, which will be screened in some places including Nepal and abroad from Chaitra 20, director Acharya, who is also a member of the Central Film Censorship Committee, said that the theme of the film is linked to the name ‘Draupadi’.
“The culture of Dolpa and the story of the film are connected, that’s why we chose Dolpa for filming. I have chosen original Nepali themes, beautiful scenes that give coolness to the eyes, and thought-provoking topics in this,” he said. Singer Ravi Ode, the winner of the second series of Nepal Idol, has become an actor through this film. Singer Ode said that he prepared and worked in the film because he was interested in acting.
“Seeing my song in the audio-visual gave me some confidence. After training with its director Acharya for about three months on acting, I decided to become an actor. I have tried to do a good job, and the feedback from this will also make it easier to decide whether to continue acting in the coming days,” said singer Odd.
Like him, Ashwini Shahi has started her acting career through this film. Actress Shahi said that she was inspired to act because she got a character different from her environment and life. “For me, this was an opportunity as well as a challenge. Because I had not been able to live such a life and environment. I have also worked hard for Western Love. I am happy to present the character in my first film,” said actress Shahi.
Director Acharya said that some new artists like singer Ode and actress Shahi were selected through auditions and given opportunities. “I have brought in new faces to act because I see the need for new talent in the film. Even if they are new, no artist is weak in bringing the characters I wrote in the story to life in the film,” said Director Acharya.
The film stars actors like Sujata Timalsina, Kabiraj Bham, Prakash Gyawali, Sita Baudel, Bishnu Thadrai, Suraj Adhikari, among others. Saurabh Sharma has composed the background music, Anil Maharjan has edited it, Vijay Acharya has handled the art, and Mohan Jhillu has handled the cinematography.
