llam which is known for the scenic view of tea gardens and lush landscape is now gradually transforming into a destination for the music video and film shooting.

Last year, actor Dayahang Rai along with the film crew of ‘Aapa’ spent 10 days in Sandakpur, llam. Before ‘Aapa’ he had spent 15 days for ‘Highway’, and 11 days for ‘Mero Euta Sathi Cha’ in Ilam.

“Ilam situated in the eastern part of Nepal alluring filmmaker due to its lush green landscape and breathtaking views,” said Dayahang.

Especially, Ilam headquarter, Kanyam, Pashupatinagar has been establishing as the destination for film shooting. However, Sandakpur, Maipokhari, Bhaludhunga, Antu Dada and Jasbire are also drawing the attention of filmmakers. 

The film crew of ‘Ma Yesto Geet Gauchu-2’ also visited Ilam for the shooting and spent 18 days. According to Director Sudarshan Thapa, around 60 percent of the scenes of the film have filmed in Ilam. “We will visit here again for additional scenes,” said Thapa.

Thapa stated that he has a special attachment with the district as his first directorial venture; ‘Mero Euta Sathi Cha’ was also shot in Illam in 2009. When asked what made you choose Illam as a shooting destination he remembered, “Back then, I was allured by the picturesque view of Ilam.”

 One of the local residents Rudra Ghimire informed, “A trend of film shooting has boosted the local tourism. Nowadays many filmmakers have been exploring new destinations of the district for film shooting.”

Several Kollywood movies were shot in Illam including, Notebook, ‘Captain’, ‘Nai Na Bhannu La’, ‘Sathi’, ‘Didi’.