Colourist Renish Phago gains global recognition

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Dec. 20: Renish Phago, who has been working as a colourist in the Nepali film industry for over two decades, has had four films he colour graded listed in Done in Assimilate Scratch. The official website, www.assimilateinc.com, has included four Nepali films, including Pitambar, 12 Gaun, Outlaw and Mohar.

Phago said that learning about the listing of the films he worked on has inspired him to deliver even better work as a colourist.

“This marks a historic first for Nepal. It is the first time Nepali films have been included in the official list of a globally recognised software, specifically through colour grading. To have such a large, internationally recognised software company include my work is beyond happiness,” he said.

Pitambar is directed by Krisha Chaulagai, 12 Gaun by Biraj Bhatt, Outlaw by Vicky Maharjan and Mohar by Om Pratik Gurung. Alongside Nepali films, Phago is also actively involved in colour grading Bhojpuri films and music videos.

Over his two-decade career, he has colour graded more than 150 Nepali films. His recent releases include Maijaaro, Man Binako Dhan and Hari Bahadurko Jutta. Several other projects are currently in production or preparing for release, including Stree, Chhatishko Aagada and others.

Phago aims to produce skilled human resources by training colourists. “I have already provided many formal and informal training sessions. Nepal still lacks enough professional colourists, and we need to build that workforce. I want to share my knowledge and train more people in the technical side of filmmaking,” he said.

Recently, Phago was also honoured with the Cultural Transformation Award 2025 by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology and the Nepal Film Development Board for his significant contribution to colour grading.

Hollywood’s popular films like Bad Boys for Life, Loki, Black Widow, Black Panther, Her and many more are also listed on this platform.