Kathmandu, August 21, 2025 – A special premiere of the film Taraharu, directed and starring theater artist Ashant Sharma, was held on Wednesday evening at a cinema hall in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu. The event was attended by filmmakers, artists, and other dignitaries from the Nepali arts community.
Known for his multifaceted roles in theater as a director, actor, and technician, Sharma has brought a stage play to the big screen with Taraharu. He revealed that the film adapts the story of his acclaimed play Sathi, Sathi Aideu Na (Friend, Please Come), driven by the narrative’s compelling subject matter.
“After staging the play, many theater colleagues suggested taking it to a wider audience. Some even proposed uploading it to YouTube, but traveling across Nepal with the play wasn’t feasible due to logistical challenges and the cast’s availability. I also felt that putting it on YouTube would dilute its essence,” Sharma said. “That’s why I decided to bring the story of Sathi, Sathi Aideu Na to a broader audience through the medium of film.”
A stalwart of the theater scene, Sharma steps into the roles of both director and lead actor in Taraharu. He explained that his decision to take on the lead role stemmed from a desire to do justice to the character he had crafted. “I was concerned about how another actor might portray the character I had brought to life. That fear led me to take on both directing and acting,” he said. “I considered casting well-known actors and even held discussions, but I worried their popularity might overshadow the story and the character’s essence. So, I chose to take on both roles myself.”
Sharma admitted that focusing solely on acting might have allowed him to deliver a stronger performance, but his concern about how another director might interpret the story prompted him to helm the project.
Taraharu explores the psychological struggles of adolescents, focusing on mental health issues. The film centers on a teenage girl contemplating suicide who crosses paths with a middle-aged man. Their unlikely friendship sparks hope and dreams, transforming her outlook on life. The narrative weaves a poignant tale of happiness emerging from despair.
Sharma believes the story, which he felt was constrained by the stage, will resonate with audiences through the cinematic medium. “We haven’t been able to promote this film commercially on a large scale, but I’m confident that viewers will spread the word and encourage others to watch it,” he said. “As theater artists, we create with honesty, but in today’s competitive landscape, our stories must speak for themselves.”
The film also delves into the struggles of a middle-class man striving to fulfill his dreams and aspirations, raising questions about societal perceptions and individual perspectives.
Taraharu features a talented ensemble cast, including Kundan Shakya, Meera Khadka, Prabhakar Nyaupane, Abhash Adhikari, Raj Pangeni Sharma, Pramod Babu, and Bikas Khanal.
The premiere has generated buzz among attendees, who praised the film’s heartfelt storytelling and its roots in Nepal’s vibrant theater tradition. As Taraharu prepares for a wider release, Sharma remains optimistic that its universal themes will connect with audiences across Nepal and beyond.
