‘Zero Degree’ first look reveals dark comedy on corruption, sets Tihar release
The first look has already generated strong curiosity among audiences, highlighting actor Bijay Baral in a striking and unusual role as a ward chairperson named “Punya Chaulagain.”
KATHMANDU: Megahouli Films has officially announced the release date of its upcoming dark comedy film Zero Degree along with the launch of its first-look video. The film is scheduled to hit theaters during this year’s Tihar festival.
The first look has already generated strong curiosity among audiences, highlighting actor Bijay Baral in a striking and unusual role as a ward chairperson named “Punya Chaulagain.”
The promotional video opens with the dialogue, “Where there is a problem, there is Punya Chaulagain,” followed by another line, “Who else is there in this village except me?” These dialogues establish his character as a cunning and influential local representative in a rural setting.
Visually, Baral appears in a thick moustache, glasses, Dhaka topi, and formal suit, presenting a satirical portrayal of a political leader.
One particularly symbolic scene shows him sitting in front of a nameplate reading “Ward Chairperson Punya Chaulagain,” seemingly receiving money, while a board behind him boldly displays the message “Let’s stop corruption!”—a sharp irony that suggests the film’s central theme of political hypocrisy presented through dark comedy.
Another intriguing sequence shows the ward chairperson riding a white horse while carrying two standing fans, along with villagers trekking through hilly terrain carrying a large wooden box. The box is strongly implied to contain a deep freezer, hinting at the film’s unusual storyline.
According to the makers, the story revolves around a remote village with limited road access, where villagers face chaotic and humorous situations after returning migrants attempt to preserve a deceased body in a deep freezer until their relatives return from abroad.
The film is jointly directed and written by the duo Sajan Kafle and Aakash Baral, who previously worked on the hit film Behuli from Meghauli.
Shot in scenic locations including Dhital village, Armalakot, Gharme, and Bagar in Kaski district, the film features an ensemble cast including Bijay Baral, Prakash Ghimire, Rajan Bhusal, Sanisha Bhattarai, Basundhara Bhusal, Ramesh Budhathoki, Lokendra Lekhak, and Sanjog Rasaili.
Moty Karki serves as the executive producer, while the film’s cinematography is handled by Nishal Paudel.
The editing is done by Chanus Pun Magar, color grading by Rajendra Moktan, and music by Ankit Babu Adhikari.
Distributed by Kuber Cine Distributors outside the Kathmandu Valley and D-Cine Network within the valley, Zero Degree aims to deliver a strong mix of humor, satire, and social commentary to audiences during the festive Tihar season.
