Kathmandu. The trailer of Nakchhong, a feature film that cinematically revives the deep-rooted cultural consciousness, spiritual discipline, and ancestral traditions of the Rai community passed down through generations, has been officially unveiled. The trailer was first launched during a special event held on Sunday at Elite Cinema Hall in Itahari, Sunsari, and was released to audiences via YouTube on Tuesday. According to the production team, the trailer release followed the film’s successful premiere screenings in several cities across the United Kingdom.
The trailer artistically portrays the profound inner and social struggle of a son who, following his father’s death, must bring a traditional clan shaman—known as a Nakchhong—to guide his father’s soul to the afterlife, in accordance with his father’s final wish. In the Rai community, Nakchhong refers to the chief of ancestral worship, a spiritual guide, a mediator with the divine, and a guardian of tradition. Far from being a fictional figure, the Nakchhong represents generations of beliefs, rituals, practices, and collective consciousness—elements the film presents with deep sensitivity and respect.
Producer Jyotiraj Rai stated that Nakchhong goes beyond storytelling, serving as a reminder of the spiritual discipline, ancestral values, rites of ancestor worship, and indigenous traditions that are gradually fading from society. He emphasized that unless such unique cultural identities are preserved, there is a real risk of history being pushed into obscurity—even by the communities to whom it belongs.
The film is written and directed by Kiran Rai, who previously demonstrated his directorial vision through music videos such as Lunga and Jiupaicho. With Nakchhong, Rai expands the horizon of cultural cinema by presenting a deeply rooted and meaningful narrative. The film features powerful performances by Bhuvan Singh Rai, Yaseli Yonghang, Sagar Kerung, Hem Dilungcha Rai, Sushma Subba Gurung, Purna Limbu, Sara Rai, Taya Hang Rai, Dinesh Koirala, Uday Subba Kurungwang, Anusha Rai, Saroj Rai, Jason Rai, Tulasha Limbu, among others, bringing authenticity and emotional depth to the story.
The film’s visual and sound design also play a vital role in narrating the story. Cinematography is handled by Babu Shrestha, while the background score is composed by Monish Niraula. Sound design by Sagar Aryal further deepens the emotional landscape of the film. In the music department, lyrics by Rajan Mukarung and Bishnu Kirati, music by Dinesh Kaji Wantawa and Anil Koi Rai, and vocals by Nogen Limbu and Paresh Rai collectively breathe soul into the narrative through music.
Director Kiran Rai described Nakchhong not merely as a depiction of Rai culture, but as a powerful medium that encourages respect for ethnic identity, originality, and tradition across Nepali society as a whole. The film vividly reflects the soul of the Rai community through the portrayal of ancestral worship, marriage and death rituals, festivals, religious beliefs, and life philosophy. According to the director, Nakchhong cinematically revives a culture born in the lap of the mountains—traditions deeply rooted in heritage, heart, and an intimate spiritual connection with the divine.
Although the official theatrical release date has yet to be announced, the production team confirmed that preparations are underway to submit Nakchhong to national and international film festivals. Notably, producer Jyotiraj Rai has previously established himself as a strong presence in Nepali cinema by producing films such as Lunga, Sangam, Triveni, Papi Manchhe, One Way, and Producer.
