Kuber Giri
October 17, 2026
Kathmandu. Deepak Raj Giri is an actor who has been consistently delivering commercial films in the Nepali film industry. Also a producer and writer, he has succeeded in ruling from radio drama, small screen to the big screen.
He says that he makes films for the audience, not for critics, by entertaining viewers with contemporary satire and family stories.
Besides acting, Giri, who openly comments on the country’s politics and contemporary issues on social media, has been a target of social media users from time to time for the same reason. Most of his films are released around Dashain, and his new film ‘Chha Maya Chhapakkai–2’ is set to be released on Saturday, October 17, on the occasion of Dashain.
Edited excerpt of the interview with actor Giri about the upcoming film and acting:
- You are releasing it on the occasion of Dashain. What kind of surprise are you preparing for the audience this time?
Our team, meaning Deepak-Deepa’s films, has content that has not disappointed the audience so far. We have maintained that trust this time as well. The audience expects that this film will not be boring to watch and will have entertainment along with some social messages. We have tried to continue that expectation.
- The film is said to be a sequel, is the story also a continuation?
This is indeed a sequel. The story continues from where ‘Chha Maya Chhapakkai’ ended.
- You have been writing yourself. What was the biggest challenge in writing this film?
This time, a new team was formed for the film. Therefore, as you mentioned earlier, balancing satire and actors was a big challenge. Also, we had to be careful not to make it look like ‘Chhakka Panja’. Especially, a lot of effort had to be put into making the screenplay very tight.
- In every film, you are seen in a relationship with a woman and in love, is it the same in the new film?
It is a bit different from the past. Here, I am playing the role of a simple middle-class person and a bike rider. Although it might seem similar in terms of love with women, after watching the film, it will feel completely different. One should not go by what is seen in the trailer alone. The film is different from the trailer.
- Does this film also have a social message?
I don’t believe in forcing messages. We should not give advice like ‘films should be like this’, and I don’t. Our job is to show what is happening in society, what the status quo is, that’s all. This film is a complete package of entertainment. It is a mixture of comedy, touching, and serious matters. We have tried to quench the thirst and hunger of all audiences.
- Is it that you always have a new heroine in your films because the story demands it or is it your choice?
It is to give the audience a fresh feeling and to avoid unnecessary gossip when the same old actress is repeated. When working with the same actress repeatedly, people might say there’s something going on, and when changing to a new one, they ask ‘Why keep changing?’. People will keep talking, but I want to give the audience a fresh feeling.
- How was your on-screen chemistry with the young actress Sunisha Bhattarai? Was there any discomfort due to the age difference?
The work and chemistry with Sunisha were good. The age difference is as it is in the film’s role, so she was chosen. And as for age, love doesn’t have an ‘expiry date’! The song also says, ‘Love is in the heart, not in age.’
- Your old companions Kedar Ghimire ‘Magne Buda’ and Jitu Nepal ‘Mundre’ are not in this film. Don’t you miss them?
Personally, I definitely miss them. But, not all characters have to be together in every film. However, we have made history by playing together in seven-eight films. I have taken this positively in this film as well.
- You are always targeted on social media, how much does this affect you?
I am used to it now. The atmosphere is very cordial when the current film is released. There is no unhealthy game seen. As for being trolled, I make political comments, I speak about social events. When a famous person speaks, it can be justice for one side and injustice for the other, and those who feel injustice troll me.
- Films earn money, but there is criticism that they don’t win the hearts of critics?
I make films for the audience. It is better to win the hearts of the audience and disappoint the critics than to win the hearts of the critics and disappoint the audience. The audience is happy, and will be happy. Films involve a lot of investment. The producer’s house doesn’t get money just by pleasing the critics. There are few films in the world that please both the audience and the critics simultaneously, so I don’t focus on pleasing the critics. It is enough if the audience is happy.
- Why do you release films on Dashain? Does this time seem lucky or because the business is good?
We (Deepak-Deepa) started the tradition of running Nepali films in Nepali multiplexes during Dashain. Before that, Nepali films were not shown in multiplexes at this time. Why should we abandon the path we started walking? Therefore, we have continued it. To do business with films, it also has to be good. The audience also has to believe in it.
- Your previous film’s release time also involved controversy and abuse. Does this benefit or harm filmmakers?
Who benefits from abuse? And what is the concrete reason for abusing? There is no point in abusing just because money was made or the film ran. It’s business, come, sell your product, win the audience’s heart. What kind of business is it to increase your business by abusing others? There should be healthy competition in business.
- This year too, there are three films for Dashain. How afraid are you of the business being divided when many films are released at the same time?
This is due to the Nepali film sector’s inability to bring the exhibition into order and system. If this is not managed, this problem will keep increasing. As for our film, I cannot say whether it will break the commercial records of previous films, but it will definitely break the record of audience ‘satisfaction’.
- Your journey started from the small screen and is now continuously on the big screen. Looking back at the past, how do you feel?
I feel that if you work honestly continuously, success will come one day. The reason why I, a common serial actor, am still getting work and surviving is this continuity and discipline.
- Among the roles of actor, writer, and producer that you play in film production, in which genre do you feel more satisfied?
There is success everywhere, but today, personally, I feel I am more successful in writing. I have also received an award for it.
- What do you feel you have lost in this journey of success?
I might have lost many friends and freedom. In this field, one has to work from morning till evening, so friends with whom I used to wake up, sit, and eat have drifted away. I don’t get to attend the weddings and ceremonies of relatives, but in return, I have received love and many other things from society!
- Are you thinking of films other than comedy in the future?
When I appear on screen, the audience expects laughter. When I made a film with a little less laughter in ‘Chhakka Panja–5’, the audience told me, ‘You have disappointed us, you should make us laugh.’ As long as I am acting, I will do work according to the audience’s expectations.
- Your banner is also among the famous banners producing Nepali films. Do you have any plans to take Nepali films to the international market?
First, our own Nepali market is not stable. South Indian films first won the hearts of their people, and then expanded their market to the North and worldwide. Therefore, we must first strengthen our own market, be able to make quality films, and then talk about the international market.
- Finally, what do you have to say to your fans and well-wishers?
First of all, Happy Vijaya Dashain to everyone! Despite the country’s geographical situation and various hardships, Dashain must be celebrated.
Secondly, don’t forget to watch my new film ‘Chha Maya Chhapakkai–2’. Because you will get plenty of entertainment in it.
This specific news has been automatically translated by AI. As a result, there may be some inaccuracies or
language errors.
