Newcomer Kabita Napali takes the co-leading role opposite the U.K.’s Jamie Bacon in “Eklo I,” a film which claims to be Nepal’s first sci-fi movie.
Three months of production are now underway in the Himalayan country, which is previously best known for art-house titles and low-budget drama films.
In a post-apocalyptic 2090, some 60 years after humanity fled the Earth due to an epidemic, two astronauts crash-land in the Himalayan mountains while on a reconnaissance mission. The astronauts uncover a hidden city of caves among the towering mountains and there encounter a mysterious guardian who holds secrets that challenge their understanding of survival and destiny. The Nepali word ‘eklo’ translates as ‘alone’ in English.
Napali, who plays the second astronaut, is joined by Benisha Hemel (“Blind Rocks,” “Ghar”) and Vijay Lama (“Everest”), as well as Pradeep Khadka (“Prem Geet 1,” “Prem Geet 3”) who portrays the guru. Napali is a newcomer whose first credit is on the Sujoy Young-directed Nepal TV series “Saahu Ba,” which is now in post-production.
“Eklo I” is directed by Pradeep Shahi, whose most recent picture “The Last Ritual” has recently been picked up by U.S.-based Scatena & Rosner Films for worldwide sales, and which is set for a theatrical release later this year. Production is through Shahi’s U.K.-based SHY Productions. Bacon, who has acting credits including “Brighton” and TV series “White Lines,” will also be credited as producer on the new title.
“This project serves as a unique blend of Nepali culture intertwined with Western influences. The film embodies the vibrancy of Nepal’s thriving film industry,” Shahi said. “The Nepali film industry is thrilled to be a part of this project, as it presents a unique story that is the first of its kind to be shot in the breathtaking Himalayan region. It will also showcase the exceptional talent that Nepal has to the western market.”