Jhilko: A must-watch film for every parent, student, teacher & principal

KATHMANDU: The recently released Nepali movie Jhilko, which hit theaters nationwide from Friday, has touched the hearts of audiences, parents, and education sector professionals alike.

Centered on the detrimental effects of digital addiction on children, family relationships, and social well-being, the film has sparked important discussions across the country.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Yadav Kumar Bhattarai, known for his award-winning movie Jhola, Jhilko explores themes of parental negligence, the misuse of smartphones, and the resulting fragmentation of family units in today’s digital age.

The lead role of a young girl is portrayed by Ayushi Dhakal, with supporting performances by Sunil Pokharel, Barsha Siwakoti, Bishal Pokharel, Bhola Raj Sapkota, Janvi Basnet, Jenish Shrestha, and Jebish Shrestha.

Krishna Adhikari, Central President of the Private and Boarding Schools’ Organization Nepal (PABSON), described the film as a mirror reflecting the pain of an entire society. “It effectively shows how a family can disintegrate when one member is misunderstood and another is misled,” he said. He emphasized that the film underscores the need for integrating skills and values into education and calls for greater responsibility from parents and teachers.

Echoing similar sentiments, PABSON’s General Secretary R.B. Katuwal called Jhalko a “story of every household.” “A child’s first school is the home, and parents are their first teachers,” he stated, adding that the film delivers a powerful message about the importance of coordination between parents, teachers, and children for the holistic development of a child.

Former Chief Secretary Bhim Upreti also praised the film for raising deep questions about the influence of digital technology.

“Blaming technology alone won’t solve the problem — we must learn to adapt and find solutions,” he said. According to him, Jhalko shows multi-dimensional problems that require equally multi-dimensional solutions.

Overall, Jhalko has been hailed not just as a film for students, but as essential viewing for every parent, teacher, and school leader. It opens a critical dialogue on the complex relationship between education, parenting, and digital culture.

The film has been produced by Media for Culture Pvt. Ltd. in collaboration with Janata Television.

The screenplay is a joint effort by Yadav Kumar Bhattarai, Arun Dev Joshi, and Dev Brat.

The film’s cinematography is by Deepak Bajracharya, editing by Nimesh Shrestha, sound and color by Shyam Kunwar, and sound design by Uttam Neupane. Executive producer is Umesh Paudel, and producers include Sushila Acharya, Ramgopal Thapa, and Kiran Kumar Acharya.