Filmmaker Kiran Khatiwada has announced to film Bonodal, about the Santhal (also known as Satar) community, which is one of Nepal’s most endangered indigenous community. Bonodal was inaugurated on Friday at Charpane in Jhapa.

“It’s not any wishy-washy idea. It was after years of research that I came up with the idea of making a film about the community,” said director Khatiwada. The film will capture the culture and tradition of Santhal community and will even feature the everyday activities of the Santhals.  

The original Nepali script of the film has been translated into the Santhal language by Jona Kisku and Dewan Tudu.

The film will be shot mostly in Haldibari and Charpane of Jhapa district.

“A highlight of the film will be its dealing with the Majhihadam pratha prevalent in the community,” said Balaram Hemram, who is one of the featuring actors. 

Along with Hemram, the film will feature actors Sunil Hasda and Kavita Waskey.  

The production team expects to release the film by coming autumn.