Vijay Baral’s ‘Zero Degree’ to Premiere During Tihar Festival; First Glimpse Released
Kathmandu – The release date for the dark comedy film Zero Degree, produced under the Meghauli Films banner, has been set. The producers unveiled the first glimpse on Thursday, announcing that the film will be screened during the Tihar festival. The initial teaser has sparked audience interest by showcasing actor Vijay Baral in a distinct and intriguing role as Ward Chairperson Punya Chaulagai.
The first-look video features dialogues resonating in the background such as, “Where there’s a problem, there’s Punya Chaulagai,” followed by Punya’s remark, “Who else but me belongs to this village?”—clearly establishing him as a shrewd local representative. Baral appears with thick mustache, glasses, a traditional Dhaka topi, and a suit, creating a highly symbolic and satirical image.
One notable scene depicts Vijay sitting behind a nameplate labeled “Punya Chaulagai Ward Chairperson,” receiving money. Ironically, the wall behind him displays a prominently plastered sign that reads, “Stop Corruption!” This strongly hints at the film’s dark comedic critique of the realities within Nepalese politics and the dual nature of its leaders.
Additionally, the video shows Chairperson Chaulagai riding a white horse while carrying two standing fans, alongside villagers struggling to carry a large wooden box along a mountainous path, adding layers of mystery and depth to the narrative. The story centers on a remote village with limited road connectivity, where after the passing of parents, children living abroad are unable to return. When villagers carry a deep freezer uphill to preserve the deceased’s body, a series of chaotic and amusing events unfold. The wooden box carried by the villagers in the video evidently contains the deep freezer.
Zero Degree is co-directed and scripted by the duo Sajan Kafle and Akash Baral, who previously collaborated on Behuli from Meghauli. The film has been shot in picturesque locations such as Dhital village in Kaski, Armalakot, Gharmi, and Bagar. The cast includes Prakash Ghimire, Rajan Bhusal, Sanisha Bhattarai, Vasundhara Bhusal, Ramesh Budhathoki, Lokendra Lekhak, and Sanjog Rasaili.
