Sano Sansar (2024)

Lila Bahadur and Sanu Maya are raising Sujata, a 28 year old ambitious manager and Sara, a 20 year old high school graduate with a heart full of hopes. When Sara reveals that she has secretly applied to the US and needs 10 lakh to go further, the family starts to fall apart because of the secrets and resentments within it. Sujata’s resentment towards her father for always underestimating her and for some poor financial choices in the past has made her life at the house impossible. Sara’s ambition of going abroad stretches the tension in the family to a breaking point. In the meantime, Lila and Sanu Maya struggle to feed their mouths and hearts while they comprehend their son Laxman’s continued silence from abroad.

When I set out to direct "Sano Sansar: Stories of Middleclass," my wife, who is also my co-writer, and I delved deep into our own lives and the lives of those around us to find the characters and stories that populate this film. This process was both introspective and observational, as we sought to capture the authenticity of the middle-class experience. Our shared passion and understanding of these narratives enriched the script and brought a profound sense of realism to the story. I was driven by a desire to portray a society that felt deeply familiar to me. The tales of middle-class families, their aspirations, struggles, and triumphs, are stories I have lived and seen around me. This film is a homage to those narratives that often go unnoticed, yet resonate universally. My goal was to evoke a sense of nostalgia and familiarity in the audience, something that felt close to home regardless of where they come from. I wanted the viewers to see a piece of their own lives in the film, to connect with the characters and their journeys on a personal level. The journey of making this film was not without its challenges. We operated on an extremely tight budget and schedule, which was further complicated by the delays from an inexperienced crew. The release date was pushed forward during post-production, leaving little time to address certain imperfections. Despite these hurdles, each obstacle was a lesson, and this project provided me with invaluable learning experiences that exceeded what film school initially offered. Working with the cast was a special experience. These actors had already embodied their characters for over a year through the web series version of this story. Their familiarity with the roles added a layer of depth and authenticity to their performances that was truly remarkable. The film deviated from the script in several instances due to the real locations we chose to shoot in. This necessity to adapt brought an unplanned yet genuine portrayal of Kathmandu’s essence, something that a controlled environment could not have achieved. Capturing the authentic hustle and bustle of the city, along with the serene beauty of its outskirts, added a unique flavor to the film that audiences have come to appreciate. Reflecting on this journey, "Sano Sansar: Stories of Middleclass" holds a special place in my heart. The lessons learned from this project about the pitfalls of filmmaking, especially in the early years, are lessons that I will carry forward. The overwhelming response from the audience has not only established my rapport in the industry but has also deepened my understanding of the craft. Every day, I cherish the learning process, and the fulfillment it brings far outweighs any financial gain. One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been seeing the film create a dialogue among viewers. The themes of family, societal pressure, and personal growth have sparked conversations that transcend the screen. Hearing how the film has touched people’s lives and made them reflect on their own experiences has been incredibly gratifying. Thank you for allowing me to share this journey with you. I hope "Sano Sansar: Stories of Middleclass" resonates with you as much as it does with me.