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| Gauthali | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Dr. Kapil Rijal |
| Screenplay by | Dr. Kapil Rijal |
| Story by | Dr. Bhola Rijal |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Hari Humagain |
| Edited by | Milan Shrestha |
| Music by | Alish Karki |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by |
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Release date |
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Running time | 140 minutes[1] |
| Country | Nepal |
| Language | Nepali |
| Budget | est.रू2.75 crore (US$180,000) |
| Box office | est.रू19.71 crore (US$1.3 million)[2] - est.रू20.10 crore (US$1.3 million) |
Gauthali (Nepali: गौंथली) is a 2026 Nepalese social drama film written and directed by Dr. Kapil Rijal, based on a story by Dr. Bhola Rijal. Produced under the banners of Bhola Rijal Production and Suman Giri Production, the film stars Arun Chhetri and Simran Khadka in the lead roles, alongside an ensemble cast including Madan Krishna Shrestha, Prakash Ghimire, Loonibha Tuladhar, and Rabindra Jha.[3][4]
The film explores the social dynamics and emotional hurdles faced by an unconventional couple, highlighting themes of marriage, mental and behavioral health challenges, and the transformative power of education within a family structure. It was released theatrically across Nepal on July 17, 2026.[5][6]
The Nepali film Gauthali, directed by Dr. Kapil Rijal and released on July 17, 2026, has grossed over Rs. 20.10 crore at the domestic box office. Selling around 729,000 tickets, it ranks as the third highest-grossing Nepali film of all time.
Plot
[edit]In a conservative village in rural Nepal circa 2001, eighth-grader Gauthali dreams of becoming the first girl from her community to pass the SLC examinations. Her ambitions are cut short when she is forced into a child marriage with Thule, a volatile and socially isolated young man who struggles with severe behavioral health issues. Expecting her to focus solely on domestic labor, Gauthali’s mother-in-law strictly forbids her from continuing her education. Despite the hostility, Gauthali secretly self-studies while managing her daily household chores. Over time, Thule recognizes her determination and begins assisting her with daily errands, allowing her enough time to pass the ninth-grade.
Upon discovering the hidden study sessions, her mother-in-law shatters the books into pieces, prompting Thule to covertly acquire tenth-grade textbooks for her. Gauthali later becomes pregnant and considers abandoning her studies, but her former schoolteacher convinces her to persevere. Tragic complications during childbirth result in the death of her newborn and severely impair her physical health. Devastated by the stillbirth, Gauthali is cruelly blamed by her mother-in-law, who accuses her of being cursed, claiming she 'ate her grandson alive,' and casts her out of the home. Desperate, Gauthali returns to her maiden home, but her family offers no solace, urging her instead to submit to her destiny and return to her husband. Dejected, she secretly flees to the district headquarters.
Exhausted and malnourished, Gauthali collapses in the city and awakes in a hospital, learning that she has permanently lost function in one of her legs. Meanwhile, a distraught Thule leaves the village to search for her. Both struggle to survive in the city independently: Gauthali lands a job as a hotel cook while resuming her studies at night, while Thule works as a manual street porter. Gauthali eventually crosses paths with her former schoolteacher, who arranges for her to officially sit for the SLC examinations through a local urban school.
When the national results are declared, Gauthali emerges as the top-ranking student in the country. To honor her historical achievement, her school organizes a grand victory procession through the city streets. During the celebration, Thule spots Gauthali in the crowd, reuniting the couple. Empowered by her success, they return to their village to start a new life on equal terms.
Cast
[edit]- Arun Chhetri as Thule
- Simran Khadka as Gauthali
- Madan Krishna Shrestha as School teacher
- Prakash Ghimire as Thule's father
- Loonibha Tuladhar as Thule's mother
- Rabindra Jha
- Ishwori Baral
- Sanjok Rasaili
- Sita Devi Timilsina
Soundtrack
[edit]The film's soundtrack features songs composed by Shambhujeet Baskota, Thaneshwor Gautam, and Prashant Siwakoti, with the film's background score composed by Alish Karki.[7]
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Aakha Bhari Aansu" | Bhola Rijal | Thaneshwor Gautam, Shanti Shree Pariyar | 4:59 |
| 2. | "Sapana Harayo" | Prashant Siwakoti | Prashant Siwakoti, Shanti Shree Pariyar | 4:23 |
Box office
[edit]Despite a modest opening day, the film quickly received the positive word of mouth to gross रू7.42 crore in just 10 days in Nepal.[8] The film minted रू13.64 crore after third weekend to become the highest grossing film of the year.[9] After 24 days, it grossed रू19.71 crore to become the fourth highest grossing Nepali film of all time.[2]
References
[edit]- ↑ "Gauthali (12A)". Irish Film Classification Office. 4 August 2026. Retrieved 4 August 2026.
- 1 2 "Film Development Board | साप्ताहिक स्वदेशी चलचित्रको बक्स अफिस रिपोर्ट – मिति २०८३ श्रावण २४ गते आइतबार , ११ः५९ राति सम्मको आधिकारिक बक्स अफिस रिपोर्ट सिनेपाः@ बक्सअफिस कलेक्सन". film.gov.np. Retrieved 2026-08-10.
- ↑ "चलचित्र 'गौथली'काे कथा के हाे ?". Kendrabindu. Retrieved 2026-07-31.
- ↑ "शाे बढाउँदै चलचित्र 'गौँथली'". www.ratopati.com (in Nepali). Retrieved 2026-07-31.
- ↑ "'गौंथली' र हलिउडको 'द ओडिसी' हलमा लागे". Online Khabar. Retrieved 2026-07-31.
- ↑ "New movie 'Gauthali' explores social challenges and triumph of an unusual couple". Nepal News. Retrieved 2026-07-31.
- ↑ डटकम, ठुलोपर्दा (2026-04-28). "पुरानै विरासत बोकेर नयाँ स्वरूपमा आउँदै 'गौथली', प्रदर्शन मिति साउन १ लाई तय". Film, Music and Entertainment News Portal From Nepal. Retrieved 2026-07-31.
- ↑ "'गौंथली' को आक्रामक व्यापार, १० दिनमै कमायो ७ करोड ४२ लाख" (in Nepali). Retrieved 2026-07-31.
- ↑ "Film Development Board | साप्ताहिक स्वदेशी चलचित्रको बक्स अफिस रिपोर्ट – मिति २०८३ श्रावण १७ गते आइतबार , ११ः५९ राति सम्मको आधिकारिक बक्स अफिस रिपोर्ट सिनेपाः@ बक्सअफिस कलेक्सन". film.gov.np. Retrieved 2026-08-03.