The Cinema Times, Kathmandu – After garnering accolades in several international film festivals, Deepak Rauniyar’s ‘Rajagunj’ has finally landed home. A 10-minute standing ovation at Venice Film Festival is definitely a proud moment for us all. The cinema has hit theatres today, Chaitra 1. Prior to the release, a grand premiere show was organized where the cinema received overwhelming response for the compelling and intriguing story presented.

The premiere show was graced by former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, politician Hisila Yami, MP Amresh Kumar Singh, Manish Jha, director Nabin Subba, writer/director Manoj Pandit, director Dipendra Lama, actor Keki Adhikari, Reema Bishwakarma, Loonibha Tuladhar, Shilpa Maskey, Najir Hussain and members of the media.

The cinema was highly appreciated in the premiere. ‘Rajagunj’ is inspired by real events during the 2015 protests involving the Madhesh community. The brewing political protest amidst the unrest is presented in a captivating manner. The commendable reactions are expected to hype the business of the cinema.

Former Prime Minister Bhattarai, who had witnessed the Madhesh Protest upclose, applauded the cinema for the realistic factual presentation. Upon hearing certain crucial parts were censored, he was disappointed that the essence of the cinema will be denied to the public. Similarly politician Yami also voiced her worry regarding the censor. She said, the cinema is built on a sensitive issue, the exploitation, the dominance, the truth has to be shown for people to understand what Madhesh is going through.

Actors Keki Adhikari and Reema Bishwokarma shared positive feedback, praising the cinema as excellent. Actor Loonibha Tuladhar urged audiences to watch the cinema, highlighting that heroes are not just men and the age or appearance doesn’t define a lead character. Actor Najir Hussain praised the cinema’s depiction of the Madhesh movement and emphasized the need to address these complexities.

Actor Dayahang Rai is elated with the positive response and is hopeful of the audiences liking the cinema. He also stated that the cinema offers multiple layers for audiences to explore. Similarly protagonist Asha Magarati shared that she was focused on the audience’s reactions during the premiere and their response made her happy.

The man of the moment, director Deepak Rauniyar, looked pleased with the response at the premiere. He admitted that dealing with censorship issues was frustrating and it is disappointing to be unable to show everything intended, but he hopes the audience will appreciate what is presented. ‘Rajagunj’ has already made a mark at major international film festivals, including Venice, Hamburg, Busan and Mumbai. The critics noted its compelling narrative as a thrilling police procedural.

The cast includes Asha Magarati, Dayahang Rai, former Miss Nepal Nikita Chandak, Reecha Sharma, Bijay Baral, Gaumaya Gurung, Aarati Mandal, Pashupati Rai, Ghanashyam Mishra, Parameshwor Kumar Jha, Niraj Shrestha and others.

‘Rajagunj’ is produced by Aadi Films’ Deepak Rauniyar and Asha Magarati, Basuri Films’ Rambabu Gurung, Dayahang Rai and Mani Pokhrel and Tannhauser Gate, Alan R. Milligan with screenplay co-written by Deepak Rauniyar, David Barker and Asha Magarati. The cinema is being jointly released by The Tea Folks Films and Vyankatesh Entertainment.

‘Rajagunj’, released today (Chaitra 1), is showing in theatres near you, grab the opportunity to witness an enthralling, authentic story in cinemas.