Nancy Khadka’s ‘Akshara’ Teaser Highlights Domestic Violence and Women’s Dignity
Nepali film ‘Akshara’, which places domestic violence, family pressure and the deep-rooted social expectations surrounding daughters at the centre of its story, has released its official teaser.
The film directed by Binay Raj Paudel. The 2 minute long teaser follows the life of a young woman who marries into a wealthy family, only to discover a painful reality hidden behind its social status and outward prosperity. What appears to be a secure and privileged marriage gradually turns into a story of violence, emotional distress and a woman struggling to reclaim her dignity.
Nancy Khadka plays the central female character, while Sushil Pokharel appears as her father. Sushil Sitaula plays her husband.
Sitaula’s character is portrayed as a man struggling with alcohol addiction that abuses his wife and repeatedly uses his family’s financial and social standing as a source of power and intimidation.
One of the most emotional moments in the teaser comes through a conversation between the daughter and her father after she returns to her parental home following the abuse.
The scene directly questions a long-standing social belief that a woman must leave behind her home, surname and identity after marriage while continuing to sacrifice herself for others.
Her character says,
The dialogue translates to a larger question at the heart of the film: why should women always be expected to change their identity and lose themselves in the name of keeping others happy?
The emotional exchange also suggests that ‘Akshara’ is not simply a story about conflict within a marriage. The film appears to explore a daughter’s identity, self-respect and her relationship with the family she was born into.
Earlier posters from the film had also hinted at the loneliness and emotional conflict experienced by Nancy’s character, as well as the growing distance in her relationship with Sushil Sitaula’s character.
Produced under the banner of Kshit Babu Production House, the film is presented by Sony Thapa (Dhungana). Ugrasen Dhungana and Sugrasen Dhungana are the producers, while Suraj Thapakaji and Suman Jyoti Neupane serve as executive producers.
The original story has been written by Ugrasen, while the screenplay and dialogues were prepared by Abhimanyu Nirabi and director Paudel.
WATCH HERE: Akshara Teaser
Nancy Khadka previously appeared in ‘12 Gaun’. She is also a former Miss Nepal International 2022 and takes on a central female role in ‘Akshara’.
Alongside Nancy Khadka, Sushil Sitaula and Sushil Pokharel, the cast includes Anshu Maharjan, Pushkar Raut, Rista Adhikari, Uttam KC, Geeta Adhikari, Birendra Kushwaha, Srijana Adhikari, Mohan Adhikari, Suman Jyoti Neupane and Srishti Khadka. Ronak Khadka and Prisa Dhungana appear as child artists.
The film’s songs feature lyrics by Surendra Rana and music by Karnaraj Giri. Anju Panta, Samikshya Adhikari, Rachana Rimal and SD Yogi have lent their voices to the soundtrack.
Dipen Basnyat is the cinematographer, while Ramji Lamichhane has handled choreography. Shankar Maharjan is responsible for action direction and Gautam Khadka has edited the film. The teaser and trailer have been prepared by Sahil Khan.
‘Akshara’ will be distributed by Deepak Dangal through National Cine Group Nepal.
According to the production team, the film’s South Korea screening rights have already been acquired by ‘KTM 2 Seoul’. The value of the deal has not been disclosed.
‘Akshara’ is scheduled for nationwide release on Bhadra 26, corresponding to September 11, 2026. Some other Nepali films also preparing for release on the same date, ‘Akshara’ is expected to face competition at the domestic box office.
