काठमाडौं ।
Eklo-I, directed by Pradeep Shahi, marks a bold new chapter for Nepali cinema as it steps into 2026 with unprecedented scale and ambition.
Set in the year 2090 after a catastrophic virus forces humanity to abandon Earth, the film presents a haunting vision of a deserted planet where remnants of civilization, buried truths, and unseen forces still linger. More than a standalone film, Eklo-I is conceived as the opening chapter of a larger cinematic universe, positioning Nepal within the global science-fiction genre.
The story unfolds deliberately, led by Vijay Lama as Bhisma, whose restrained performance anchors the film’s desolate tone. As the narrative expands, Kabita Nepali (Ariel) and Jamie Bacon (Zach) enter the story, bringing urgency, conflict, and emotional depth.
Kabita Nepali’s powerful screen presence and action sequences have emerged as a standout, adding intensity to the film’s survival-driven world. The ensemble cast, including Benisha Hamal, Sunil Thapa, Avon Raj Upreti, and a key appearance by Pradeep Khadka, further strengthens the dystopian narrative while clearly setting the stage for Part 2, where Khadka’s role is expected to take center stage.
What distinguishes Eklo-I is Shahi’s confident focus on world-building over instant gratification. Shot across extreme and high-altitude terrains and backed by international-standard post-production, the film reflects a significant leap in technical execution and long-term storytelling rarely seen in Nepali cinema.
Beyond its cinematic achievement, Eklo-I made history in 2025 by becoming the first Nepali film to be represented at the Cannes Film Festival. Nepal also marked its first-ever official presence at Cannes with a dedicated booth managed by Shy Production Nepal Pvt. Ltd., alongside the first appearance of Pradeep Shahi and Pradeep Khadka on the Cannes red carpet representing a Nepali film.
Now showing in cinemas, Eklo-I invites audiences to experience the beginning of a new era—one where Nepali cinema looks ahead, thinks bigger, and dares to stand on a global stage.
प्रकाशित: २२ पुष २०८२, मंगलवार
