0
Shares
Kathmandu – The first-look video of the dark comedy film Zero Degree, produced under the Meghauli Films banner, has been officially released along with its theatrical release announcement. The film is slated to hit cinemas during this year’s Tihar festival.
The first-look material has generated significant curiosity among audiences, introducing actor Bijay Baral in a strikingly different and intriguing role as Punya Chaulagain, a ward chairperson. The video opens with a voice-over proclaiming, “Where there is a problem, there is Punya Chaulagain,” followed by Punya’s dialogue, “Who else do I have in this village besides my own people?” These lines establish him as a shrewd and cunning local leader.
Sporting a thick moustache, glasses, a Dhaka topi, and a formal suit, Baral’s appearance carries strong symbolic and satirical undertones. In one notable scene, he is seen accepting money while seated behind a desk bearing a nameplate that reads “Punya Chaulagain, Ward Chairperson.” Ironically, a sign displayed prominently behind him reads, “Stop Corruption!” The contrast hints at the film’s sharp satirical take on Nepalese politics and the double standards often associated with political leadership.
The video also features surreal and visually intriguing moments, including Punya riding a white horse while carrying two pedestal fans, and villagers transporting a large wooden box along a mountainous trail. These scenes add a layer of mystery to the narrative.
The story revolves around a remote village with limited road access. Following the death of elderly parents, their children living abroad are unable to return immediately. To preserve the body until the family can arrive, villagers carry a deep freezer up the rugged hillsides, leading to a series of chaotic, humorous, and unexpected events. The wooden box seen in the first-look video is presumed to contain this deep freezer, offering a glimpse into the film’s central premise.
*Zero Degree* is jointly directed and written by Sajan Kafle and Aakash Baral, the creative duo behind the successful film Behuli From Meghauli.
The film was shot in several picturesque locations in Kaski district, including Dhital Village, Armalakot, Gharmi, and Bagar. Alongside Vijay Baral, the cast features Prakash Ghimire, Rajan Bhusal, Sanisha Bhattarai, Basundhara Bhusal, Ramesh Budhathoki, Lokendra Lekhak, and Sanjog Rasaili, among others.
Moti Karki serves as the executive producer, while Nishal Paudel handled cinematography. The film’s editing is by Chanas Pun Magar, color grading by Rajendra Moktan, and music by Ankit Babu Adhikari.
Distribution outside the Kathmandu Valley will be managed by Kuber Cine Distribution, while DCN will oversee distribution within the valley. The production team is confident that *Zero Degree* will provide audiences with an entertaining cinematic experience during the Tihar holiday season.
