In the past five months, five Nepali films have been released on YouTube, offering audiences a diverse range of socio-political dramas. Notably, four out of these five films feature acclaimed actor Dayahang Rai, underscoring his dominance in the genre. These films delve into pressing societal issues, political landscapes, and human struggles, reflecting the evolving narratives of Nepali cinema.
Here’s a look at the list of these impactful films that have been making waves online.
White Sun
Directed by Deepak Rauniyar, White Sun depicts the story of Chandra, an anti-regime partisan, who confronts physical, social, and political obstacles while arranging his father’s funeral. His search for a solution takes him to neighboring mountain villages, where he encounters the police and rebel guerrillas. White Sun is a portrait of post-civil war Nepal during a fragile and deadlocked peace process.
Featuring Dayahang Rai, Asha Magrati, and Rabindra Singh Baniya, White Sun has been awarded at prominent film festivals, including the Venice Film Festival, Singapore International Film Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival, Fribourg International Film Festival, and Loft Film Festival. Originally released in 2016, the movie was made available on YouTube on January 10, 2025.
Jaari
Jaari, directed by Upendra Subba, is a social drama film. The film takes us to the Limbu community in Eastern Nepal, and introduces us to the tradition of Jaari.
Produced by Ram Babu Gurung, this Nepali film shows the struggle of a man to bring his wife back home. Released in 2023, the movie features Dayahang Rai, Miruna Magar, Bijay Baral and among others.
Nango Gaun
Nango Gaun explores how voters sell their voting rights. Directed by Dipendra Lama, the movie is based on local political issues in Nepal.
Released in 2023, the film features Shishir Bangdel, Miruna Lisara Magar, Dayahang Rai, and others. Nango Gaun was made available on YouTube on September 6, 2024, and has since surpassed 12 million views.
Mahapurush
Mahapurush, directed by Pradeep Bhattarai, portrays the story of a widowed father of two sons who finds love in his old age and struggles as society—and even his own sons—disapproves of it. The film stars actors such as Hari Bansha Acharya, Rabindra Singh Baniya, and Anjana Baraili.
Released in 2022, Mahapurush narrates the story of individuals striving to be ‘morally correct’ in society and how this behavior prevents them from being their own masters. The characters in the story rebel against their deeply ingrained beliefs.
Highway
Highway is another movie directed by Deepak Rauniyar which was recently released on YouTube. It is the feature debut film of Rauniyar. Released in 2012, Highway is a Nepali drama film that explores the struggles of various travelers on a long, unpredictable bus journey from eastern Nepal to Kathmandu. The film intertwines multiple personal stories, revealing social issues, aspirations, and emotional conflicts faced by the characters.
Set against the backdrop of frequent road blockades and political instability in Nepal, Highway follows passengers who are forced to confront their past and present while waiting for the road to clear.
The movie features Dayahang Rai, Asha Magrati, Shristi Ghimire and others.
