Ambitious Film City Project in Dolakha District Faces Uncertain Future

In a significant setback to the much-anticipated film city project in Dangdunge, Bhimeshwor Municipality-9, Dolakha district, construction has come to a grinding halt due to the absence of allocated funds from the Federal and Bagmati Provincial governments for the current fiscal year.

Mayor Ishwar Narayan Manandhar expressed disappointment, revealing that the project’s budget was limited to a mere Rs. 4 million this year, earmarked for study, research, and monitoring purposes. The film city construction, which had been dormant for a decade, was briefly revived last year when the Bagmati Province government allocated Rs. 30 million, leading to the establishment of an information center, two guest houses, and an entrance gate.

Suresh Raut, Chief Engineer of Bhimeshwor Municipality’s Infrastructure Development and Environment Management, disclosed that an additional Rs. 10 million is required to complete the ongoing work, including the repair of existing structures to ensure their longevity. Frustrated by the lack of interest from relevant authorities, Raut urged them to transfer construction responsibilities to the municipality.

Senior artist Madan Das Shrestha voiced concerns over the delayed project, highlighting that the government had already invested Rs. 124.45 million in infrastructure, including a two-lane road, foot trail, and drains. Shrestha also disclosed that the master plan, prepared by Simeca Wim JV at a cost of Rs. 5 billion, envisions the film city at an altitude of 3,400 meters, covering 76.25 hectares.

The proposed film city, designed to be an international-level project, includes structures such as an administrative building with accommodation, indoor shooting studio, post-production unit, thematic villages, a helipad, and a pond. The comprehensive master plan estimates a construction cost of Rs. 15 billion if adjustments are made according to film industry needs.

Despite local-level enthusiasm for the film city, the lack of government support has raised doubts about the project’s completion. Actor Madan Das Shrestha appealed to the government, emphasizing its responsibility to allocate additional funds promptly to ensure the project’s success. As the fate of the film city hangs in the balance, stakeholders and residents are anxiously awaiting a resolution to secure the future of this ambitious cinematic venture in Dolakha.