Private Project

Tantrik Dance

In the heart of Patan, Tantrik Dance captures the vibrant essence of the Kaartik Naach, a sacred festival where centuries old traditions come to life. This documentary invites viewers into a world of masked dancers in intricate costumes, performing stories of gods and legends through captivating choreography and the haunting melodies of traditional instruments. As night falls and the temple grounds transform into a mystical stage, the festival becomes more than a performance—it is an expression of devotion, art, and history. Tantrik Dance explores the spiritual and cultural significance of this timeless celebration, honoring the enduring power of tradition and the dance of the divine.

  • K.P. Pathak
    Director
  • Puru Lamsal
    Writer
  • Shiva Puri
    Editor
  • Ramesh Dhamala
    Cinematographer
  • Jyoti Singh
    Cinematographer
  • Amar Chitrakar
    Cinematographer
  • Binod Shrestha
    Cinematographer
  • Rashik Pathak
    Cinematographer
  • Ronik Pathak
    Executive Producer
  • Rashik Pathak
    Executive Producer
  • Abhas Dharanda Rajopadhyaya
    Translator
  • Keshab Shrestha
    Illustrator
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    37 minutes 20 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 8, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    11,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Nepal
  • Country of Filming:
    Nepal
  • Language:
    Nepali
  • Shooting Format:
    4K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Distribution Information
  • Cinemakers Pvt. Ltd.
    Sales Agent
    Country: Nepal
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - K.P. Pathak

K.P. Pathak is a Nepali filmmaker who has been active in the film industry since 1987. He is also an entrepreneur and a social activist who has advocated for better worker rights and the right to free speech in the Nepali film scene. Pathak is also the Chairperson of the Nepal Film and Cultural Academy (NFCA) and Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF) nonprofit organizations, which aim to promote Nepali film and culture internationally. He has an extensive film portfolio, which includes directing, producing, writing, and acting in various telefilms, documentaries, features, and short films. Pathak has also received numerous awards and accolades for his work in the film industry, including multiple national awards for his feature film Maina (2008).

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As the director of Taantrik Dance, my goal was to capture the profound beauty and spiritual depth of the Kaartik Naach festival in Patan. This documentary is not just about the mesmerizing choreography or the vibrant costumes, but about the deep connection between art, devotion, and cultural heritage. Through the lens, I wanted to immerse the audience in the transformative power of tradition, where the lines between performance and ritual blur, and the stories of gods and legends are brought to life. Tantrik Dance is a celebration of Nepal’s timeless heritage, a reminder of the power that tradition holds in shaping our collective identity.
As the director of Tantrik Dance, my aim was to not only showcase the mesmerizing beauty of the Kaartik Naach but also highlight the importance of preserving such a vital cultural treasure. In a world where modernization often overshadows tradition, this documentary is a tribute to the enduring spirit of the festival and the people who keep it alive. The intricate choreography, vibrant costumes, and haunting melodies are more than just art forms; they are vessels of cultural memory, passed down through generations. Through this film, I hope to spark a conversation about the preservation of cultural heritage and the role these ancient practices play in shaping our identity. By capturing the essence of the Kaartik Naach, Taantrik Dance seeks to inspire a deeper appreciation for traditions that connect us to our past while guiding us toward the future.