Eva Giri’s Biggest Transformation Yet? Actress Unveiled as Draupadi in ‘Paanch Pandav’

Kathmandu, October 7, 2026

Eva Giri Revealed as Draupadi

Actress and model Eva Giri was unveiled as Draupadi on October 6 through a new poster for director Basanta Niraula’s upcoming Nepali film Paanch Pandav, ahead of its November 6 nationwide cinema release. The reveal has drawn attention because Giri appears in a noticeably different character from the glamorous image audiences often associate with her, while the film uses Mahabharata-inspired characters and symbolism to explore a story rooted in modern Nepali society.

A Different Side of Eva Giri

The newly released poster shows Giri in a red sari-inspired look as Draupadi, giving audiences their clearest glimpse yet of her character in the film.

Behind her are the five central male characters played by Hari Bansha Acharya, Jitu Nepal, Aaryan Sigdel, Mahesh Tripathi and Sushil Sitaula, strengthening the film’s visual connection with the five Pandavas from the Mahabharata.

Not a Direct Mahabharata Retelling

Despite the film’s title and the use of names such as Draupadi and the Pandavas, Paanch Pandav is not being promoted as a direct mythological adaptation of the Mahabharata.

According to reports and statements from the production team, the film is a contemporary social drama that borrows familiar names and symbolism from the ancient epic while placing its story in a modern Nepali setting.

A Large Ensemble Cast

The film brings together several well-known actors from different generations of Nepali cinema.

Along with Eva Giri, Hari Bansha Acharya, Jitu Nepal, Aaryan Sigdel, Mahesh Tripathi and Sushil Sitaula, the cast also includes Deepashree Niraula, Sarita Giri, Binod Neupane, Rama Thapaliya, Prashant Tamrakar and Sita Neupane.

Eva Joined the Film During Production

Giri joined the project while filming was already underway earlier this year.

According to reports from the production period, she and actor Prashant Tamrakar joined the shooting schedule in Jhapa as the film expanded its ensemble cast and continued work on its major scenes.

From Jhapa to Kathmandu

Principal photography for Paanch Pandav began in Kakarbhitta, Jhapa, before moving through different locations.

Reports later said that the film completed a lengthy principal photography schedule, with scenes shot in Jhapa and the Kathmandu Valley.

The Team Behind the Film

Paanch Pandav is directed by Basanta Niraula, while Sushil Poudel has written the film.

The movie is produced by Kali Rani Shrestha, with Nabin Shrestha serving as presenter under the Kali Rani Films banner. Nabin Shrestha was also previously associated with the production of Laj Sharanam.

The Technical Team

The film’s cinematography is handled by Shyam Tamang, while Suprim Parajuli is responsible for editing and colour grading.

Arjun Pokharel has composed the music, Uttam Neupane has worked on sound design, Sujil Karmacharya has composed the background score and Pukar Dhimal is handling visual effects.

A Tihar Release

Paanch Pandav is scheduled to be released in cinemas on November 6, 2026, during the Tihar festive period.

The festive release window could help the multi-starrer attract families and wider audiences, particularly because the film brings together several popular names from Nepali cinema.

Why Eva’s Draupadi Look Is Getting Attention

Eva Giri’s transformation has become one of the film’s strongest early talking points.

The newly released poster also gives audiences a clearer sense of how the filmmakers may connect familiar Mahabharata symbolism with a modern Nepali social story rather than simply recreating the ancient epic.

For Giri, the role may also offer audiences a chance to see a different side of her screen presence as she steps into a character carrying one of the most recognisable names in South Asian mythology.