Saugat Malla faces a tiger in upcoming film 'Jaar'
KATHMANDU: The main actor of the movie 'Jar', Saugat Malla, comes face to face with a tiger. There is a scene in the script where he faces the tiger.
In the story written by Indra Bahadur Rai, there is a scene where the main character is dragged away by a tiger. If this scene was not included, the movie would have been incomplete.
The film, set to release on May 16 (Baisakh 26), brings to life a 225-year-old narrative, adapted from Rai's literary masterpiece.
One of the most dramatic moments in the story features the protagonist being dragged away by a tiger-an event that the filmmakers deemed essential to include in the screenplay.
According to director Phurba Chhiring Lama, omitting this sequence would render the film incomplete for audiences familiar with the source material.
However, depicting such a visually intense scene posed a significant challenge. Lama initially hesitated, knowing that executing a lifelike tiger scene using studio VFX could cost between 80 to 100 million Nepali Rupees (NRs). To manage costs without compromising quality, the production turned to freelance VFX artists, who ultimately created the tiger sequence at a reduced but still substantial cost of 20 million NRs.
An international team of 37 freelance VFX experts, including those who have worked on major Hollywood productions such as 'Game of Thrones' and 'Mission Impossible', collaborated over an extended period to craft the eight-minute sequence.
Produced by Feri Tail Pictures, 'Jaar' is positioned as a complete cinematic package-blending social themes with historical depth. Director Lama is confident that the film will deeply resonate with audiences in Nepal, India, and beyond.
The film features an ensemble cast including Anup Bikram Shahi, Geetanjali Thapa, and others in lead roles. 'Jaar' was shot extensively in Sikkim, capturing the essence of the late 18th century, and boasts a strong production team comprising Hope Reels, LA7 Shorts, Baral Studio, and Kiwa Production.
Executive producers include Trilochan Pandey, Neeraj Rai, Nursang Bhutia, Jyoti Kshetri, and Pema Rinzing Lepcha. The film's cinematography is by Saravanan Elavarasu, editing by Akhilesh Rai, and music composed by Jhuma Limbu and Ganga Thapa.
'Jaar' will be released simultaneously in Nepal, India, and international markets. In Nepal, it will be distributed by Apple Entertainment, Reach Entertainment, and FD Company, while Seven Seas Cinema will handle international distribution.
With its powerful storytelling, historical authenticity, and cutting-edge visual effects, 'Jaar' is poised to be a milestone in South Asian cinema.