Ayusha Sanjel Chhetri as Mankala, Nepali Web Series
There’s a new story unfolding for the global Nepali community, and it’s set against the iconic backdrop of New York City. A brand new Nepali web series, ‘Mankala’ has just launched its pilot episode on YouTube, offering a fresh and relatable take on love, identity, and the complexities of Diaspora life.
Created and written by Om Raj Raut, ‘Mankala’ centers on a 30 year old Nepali woman living in New York. Torn between the traditional expectations of her family and her own deep seated desire for independence and genuine connection, she embarks on a personal journey.
The series delves into the universal pressure to find ‘Mr. Perfect’ while quietly questioning what love, freedom, and true belonging really mean for someone building a life thousands of miles from home.
The pilot episode, titled ‘Maybe Her First Date’ sets the stage with a simple premise: ‘an ordinary meeting, a quiet evening, a choice that might change something or nothing at all.’ This intriguing logline promises a narrative filled with subtle tension and emotional depth, relatable to anyone who has ever navigated the modern dating world.
The series is a collaborative effort, co-directed by Om Raj Raut and Pramod Bishwokarma. It features a cast of emerging talents, including Ayusha Sanjel Chhetri, Meen Bhandari, Liza Paudel, Lhakpa Dolma, and the creator Om Raj Raut himself.
Mankala – production team
Behind the scenes, a dedicated crew including Director of Photography Sangam Rai, Production Designer Dominika Platek, Assistant Director Anita Rasaily, Editors Pramod Bishwokarma and Prakash Basnet, Sound Boby Lohat, Sound Designer Nabin, Colorist Supreme Parajuli, Post-Production Supervisor / Line Producer Kedar Bhusal, Gaffer Isaac Gonzalez and Ameet Jung Chhetri, Assistant Camera Nick Pokhrel, Production Assistant Oscar Mayorga and a full post-production team have come together to bring this vision to life. ‘Mankala’ is produced by New Envision Production in collaboration with Boby Lohat Production.
Ready to dive in! Watch the pilot episode of ‘Mankala’ titled ‘Maybe Her First Date’- Here.
This five-episode series is set to be a significant addition to the growing library of Nepali digital content, speaking directly to the experiences of a generation balancing multiple cultures.
