Draupadi team touring country before its release

By Our Correspondent,Kaski, Mar. 15: As the release date of the film Draupadi, which highlights the practice of polyandry, approaches, the film’s team has embarked on a nationwide promotional tour. 

The team arrived in Pokhara on Friday and shared with journalists that the film is based on a unique story.

 The trailer was released some time ago, depicting the story of a woman who is forced into relationships with her husband’s brothers after he goes abroad for employment.

Rishiraj Acharya, writer and director of the film, said that it took him four years to write the script.

 He said that the storyline is based on the Himalayan districts of Dolpa and Mustang in Nepal.

 “Due to the remoteness of these locations, shooting was quite challenging. We had to walk for five days to reach villages, including Shey Phoksundo Lake, to shoot the movie. Audiences will get to experience something different from what they have seen so far,” he added. 

The film captures the lifestyle, culture and struggles of women in the Karnali region, he added. 

 While the title Draupadi may remind audiences of the Mahabharata character, Acharya emphasised that the film is rooted in Nepal’s reality. 

He also shared that the film has already been selected for several international film festivals even before its release.

Scheduled to be released across Nepal on March 22, the film features actors selected through auditions, said Acharya. 

“Don’t ask who the hero is. The film has fresh faces, all chosen through auditions. The content itself is the real hero of this film,” he added.

Nepal Idol winner Ravi Oad is making his big-screen debut with this film.

 Oad said the project is a new and unique experience for him, expressing confidence that audience will appreciate it. Oad plays a character from the western region of Nepal.

Producer Prakash Gyawali said that the team spent 48 days in Dolpa to complete the film. 

The film has been made with an investment of Rs. 20 million. Actress Ashwini Shahi stated that the film incorporates the traditions and customs of rural communities, added Gyawali.