The Man from Kathmandu

The Man from Kathmandu is the first English language Nepalese film directed and written by Pema Dhondup.^[1] The film is Dhondup's second feature film and features Gulshan Grover, Hameed Sheikh, Jose Manuel, Anna Sharma, Michael Brian, Karma Shakya, Neer Shah, Mithila Sharma.^[2][3] The film also brings in new talent from the industry including the cast. The film trailer is receiving highly positive reviews for its story as it shows religious unity and speaks against radicalism.^[4][5]

The Man from Kathmandu
Film poster
Directed by	Pema Dhondup
Written by	Pema Dhondup
Produced by	Nakim Uddin
Starring	Gulshan Grover Hameed Sheikh Anna Sharma Karma Shakya Neer Shah Mithila Sharma Paramita RL Rana
Production company	Tricity Studios
Release date	15 March 2019 (2019-03-15)
Country	Nepal
Language	English

Plot

The Man from Kathmandu follows Faisal Mustafa (Jose Manuel), an American‑Nepali man raised in Los Angeles with a mixed Hindu–Muslim background. He travels to Nepal believing his father has joined the war in Syria. Once in Kathmandu, he becomes entangled in a violent conflict after his grandfather is murdered by Abu Mia Siddiqi (Gulshan Grover), a local crime lord. Faisal reconnects with his childhood friend Namrata (Anna Sharma), who works at a refugee rehabilitation centre run by his grandfather, and joins her in confronting entrenched political corruption.^[6]

As Faisal navigates the city’s underworld, he discovers the complex social and political dynamics tied to his own identity. He engages in martial arts confrontations with Abu’s men, symbolically representing his internal struggle and cultural reintegration. Through these challenges, Faisal begins to understand the importance of both personal responsibility and collective solidarity. Ultimately, his actions lead to renewed connections with his heritage and a path toward reconciliation.^[7]

Cast

• Jose Manuel as Faisal Mustafa
• Gulshan Grover as Abu Mia Siddiqi
• Hameed Sheikh as Pundit Harvashdam
• Anna Sharma as Namrata
• Karma Shakya as Sher Thapa
• Neer Shah as Suresh Bhandari
• Shisheer Bangdel as Praveen Kumar
• Mithila Sharma as Renu Bhandari
• Paramita RL Rana as Sujata
• Abhisek Baniya "Nasty" as himself (Special appearance for song Kathmandu's finest)
• Yama Buddha as himself (Special appearance for song Kathmandu's finest)

Soundtrack

No.	Title	Lyrics	Music	Singer(s)	Length
1.	"Aakasai Ghumera"	Jason Kunwar	Jason Kunwar	Nikita Shrestha, Jason Kunwar	4:12
2.	"Kathmandu's Finest"	Nasty	Nasty	Nasty, Yama Buddha	3:55
3.	"Kich Kichay Maya"	Sujendra D Karki	Sujendra D Karki	Chandan Dhoj KC	4:10
4.	"Kathmandu"	Rohit John Chettri	Rohit John Chettri	1974 AD	3:56