By Renuka Dhakal, Kathmandu, Feb. 18: Nepal has, of late, become a captivating destination for shooting foreign films, documentaries and music videos because of the pristine landscape, guest-friendly county, cultural diversity, mountains, lakes, arts and architecture.

Recently, a Telugu-language song titled Kallu Allu Kalisina Kshaname was shot in Pokhara.

Directed by Srinu Pandranki, the song was managed by NepCine Company of Nepal.

The music video features Telugu artistes Arjun Kalyan and Harshini Koduru.  

Nepali technicians directed the cinematography and editing of the music video produced by Dr. Ginjupalli. Hari Humagain directed the cinematography while Bikash Dahal edited this.  

Talking to The Rising Nepal, Director Pandranki, who is also an author, short filmmaker and screenwriter, said that he planned to make short and feature films associating with Nepali filmmakers and artistes.

“Nepal is like a buffet for a filmmaker. Its wonderful sceneries, the landscape, the mountains, the rivers and the cultural and geographical diversities make Nepal a wonderful film shooting destination,” said Pandranki.

He said he was quite impressed by the works of Nepali technicians. “Nepali technicians are very diligent, patient and skillful,” he added.  

Pandranki also praised Nepali filmmakers citing that they created a quality film out of a small budget and limited resources.

Peek-a-boo, a 12-minute Telugu short film directed by Pandranki, was also selected to feature in the Cannes ‘short film corner’ in 2014.  

Pandranki said he is also planning to make a short film immediately targeting Cannes.

He has directed 30 short films, four music videos and published two novels, one in English and one in Telugu. He informed that two of his novels are in the process of publication.

“I have a plan to make a Nepali and Telugu film. I am trying to make a Nepali film with investors from the Telugu industry. The collaboration of Nepali and Telugu filmmakers can also help make the pandemic-ridden film industry move forward,” said director Pandranki.

According to Vidhan Karki, managing director of NepCine, the collaboration between Nepali and Indian filmmakers in film and music video production will strengthen cultural exchange as well as generate employment opportunities in both countries even during the pandemic.

Karki, who also directs films and music videos, said that he was preparing to make a film with a South-Indian filmmaker soon.

Karki also informed that they are also planning to make the Nepali version of the Telugu song Kallu Allu Kalisina Kshaname shortly.