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Kathmandu: Priyanka Karki’s upcoming film ‘Masterni’ is generating industry buzz well before its release—not only because of its ambitious marketing but also because of the track record of its director, Subhendu Ghosh.
Ghosh previously wrote and directed ‘I Am Jeet Bahadur’, starring and produced by Jitu Nepal. The film failed to meet box office expectations and received mixed-to-negative feedback from audiences and critics, with much of the criticism focused on its direction and execution.
In several interviews following the film’s release, Jitu Nepal also suggested that placing too much trust in the director had not produced the result he had hoped for. Those remarks have resurfaced as Masterni prepares for its theatrical release.
The stakes are considerably higher this time. Besides being based on a story by Priyanka Karki, Masterni also marks the film production debut of Agni Group, with its chairman and Shark Tank Nepal investor Cabinet Shrestha joining the project as a producer.
Adding to the expectations, the film’s first-look promotional video boldly described Masterni as “the blockbuster of 2026.” Such a confident claim has inevitably raised industry expectations—and scrutiny.
According to industry sources, the production team has invested significant effort in refining the film during post-production. The editing process reportedly received extra attention, while several scenes were reshot to strengthen the narrative and overall cinematic impact.
The makers, however, have not officially commented on these reports.
With roughly five weeks remaining before its release, attention is now shifting to the film’s promotional campaign. Industry observers believe the trailer, audience response, and word of mouth will ultimately determine whether Masterni lives up to its blockbuster promise.
Whether the film emerges as one of the year’s biggest successes—or struggles under comparisons with I Am Jeet Bahadur—will only become clear once it reaches theatres.
