The teaser for ‘Tunnel 26: The Curse Beneath the Mountain’, a cross-border film collaboration bringing together filmmakers from Nepal, Bhutan and India, has been released. Featuring a multinational cast led by Sangay Tsheltrim, Anup Bikram Shahi and Anna Sharma, the teaser introduces a mysterious atmosphere filled with action, suspense and dark visuals.
The film stars Nepali actors Anup Bikram Shahi and Anna Sharma alongside Bhutanese actor Sangay Tsheltrim in prominent roles. The cast also includes Roshini Dada, Nidup Dorji, Phuntshok Dhonden, Deki Lhamo, Jamyang Tenpa, Phuntsho Kinrab, Chencho Lama, Kezang Kaz, Tseki Wangdi, Kaya Gyeltshen, Namgay DJ, Jigme Carlos, Chablop Passu and Ugyen Dorji.
Presented by Sangay Tsheltrim Films and Peak XV Production, the film is written and directed by DD Kinley. According to publicly shared production details, producers and film professionals from Nepal, Bhutan and India are involved in the project.
Nirvana Chaudhary Steps Into Film Production
One of the most notable aspects of ‘Tunnel 26’ is the entry of businessman Nirvana Chaudhary into film production. Chaudhary shared the teaser on social media while describing the project as his first film.
The Chaudhary family, however, has a much older connection with Nepali cinema. Nirvana’s father, businessman Binod Chaudhary, was associated with the production of acclaimed Nepali film ‘Basudev’, directed by Neer Shah released on 1984. ‘Tunnel 26’ marks the Chaudhary family’s direct return to film production after roughly four decades.
Pradeep Khadka Takes a Creative Role
Popular Nepali actor Pradeep Khadka is also associated with ‘Tunnel 26’, but not as an on-screen performer.
Publicly available production details credit Khadka as a creative producer, placing him behind the scenes in the film’s production and creative process.
Khadka has previously been involved with film production-related projects, and his participation in ‘Tunnel 26’ reflects a broader trend of Nepali stars expanding their roles beyond acting into production and international collaborations.
From Dzongkha to a Wider Regional Audience
‘Tunnel 26’ has primarily been made in Dzongkha, the national language of Bhutan. Reports indicate that the makers plan to bring the film to audiences in Nepali and other regional languages as well.
With principal photography completed, the film is reportedly undergoing post-production in Thailand.
Production-related social media posts have mentioned plans for a release around October 2026, although an exact theatrical release date has not yet been officially announced.
There have also been reports suggesting plans to take the film to an Indian OTT platform. However, no official information has yet been released regarding which streaming service may acquire or distribute the film.
A Multinational Technical Team
The film’s multinational character extends beyond its cast and producers.
Cinematography has been handled by Dirgha Gurung and Sangay T. Tenzing, while Raju Tamang serves as the action director. Krishna Sharma is associated with production design, with Pema Lhamo involved in production management.
The publicly released credits also list Terdsak Janpan for music, Karan Thamawong for sound design and re-recording mixing, and Nipan Studio for visual effects. Director DD Kinley has also handled the film’s editing.
By bringing together talent from Nepal, Bhutan and India across acting, production and technical departments, ‘Tunnel 26’ is positioning itself as more than a conventional domestic film.
The bigger test will come when the finished film arrives: whether it can turn the intrigue created by its atmospheric teaser into a compelling story and successfully connect with audiences across multiple languages and markets.
