What Lies Beneath the Mountain? 'Tunnel 26' Brings Zombie Horror to Nepali Cinema

Nepal's Zombie Horror Experiment

A blocked mountain tunnel, trapped workers, and a mysterious supernatural force are at the center of Tunnel 26: The Curse Beneath the Mountain, an upcoming horror-survival thriller directed by Bhutanese filmmaker DD Kinley. Featuring Nepali actors Anoop Bikram Shahi and Anna Sharma alongside Bhutanese actor Sangay Tsheltrim, the Nepal-Bhutan-India collaboration was originally scheduled to release in Nepal and Bhutan on October 9, 2026. However, the filmmakers postponed the release and announced plans to reach international audiences in multiple languages. Actor Shahi has described the project as Nepal's first zombie film, drawing attention to its unusual storyline.

What Happens Inside the Tunnel?

The film follows an emergency at a hydropower project in Bhutan, where a sudden tunnel blockage traps workers and students deep underground.

Rescue teams from Nepal and Bhutan arrive to save those trapped inside. However, the situation becomes more dangerous when an ancient gate is opened, unleashing a mysterious supernatural threat.

As the survivors struggle to escape, the rescue operation turns into a fight against forces beyond an ordinary natural disaster.

The storyline combines action, mystery, suspense, supernatural horror and survival drama.

Inspired by Real Tunnel Disasters

The film's premise draws on real-world tunnel emergencies, although reports differ about the specific incident that inspired its development.

Some entertainment reports have connected the production to India's 2023 Silkyara tunnel disaster in Uttarakhand.

During that incident, 41 construction workers were trapped after a tunnel section collapsed on November 12, 2023. All the workers were rescued on November 28 after a 17-day operation.

Other reports describe the film as inspired by tunnel-related events in Bhutan, where its story takes place.

While the film uses the tension of an underground rescue, its supernatural elements and zombie-themed storyline are fictional.

Filmed Inside an Actual Tunnel

One of the project's notable production features is its use of real tunnel locations in Bhutan.

According to production-related reports, important scenes were filmed inside an actual tunnel instead of relying entirely on artificial studio sets.

The production reportedly involved approximately 100 days of filming, bringing together actors and technical professionals from different countries.

The underground setting is central to the film's atmosphere, with narrow passages, darkness and limited escape routes adding tension to the survival story.

Nepali and Bhutanese Stars Share the Screen

The movie features an international cast led by Sangay Tsheltrim, Anoop Bikram Shahi and Anna Sharma.

Shahi and Sharma represent two of the main Nepali performers, while Tsheltrim is a prominent Bhutanese actor associated with the project.

Other credited performers include Roshini Dada, Nidup Dorji, Deki Lhamo, Phuntsho Dhonden and Kezang Kaz.

Additional actors appearing in promotional materials include Jamyang Tenpa, Phunchok Kinley, Chencho Lama, Tsheki Wangdi, Kaya Gyaltsen, Namgyal DJ, Jigme Carlos, Chablop Pasang and Ugyen Dorji.

The film has brought together performers from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, reflecting its international production structure.

Who Is Behind Tunnel 26?

The movie is written, directed and edited by DD Kinley.

Nepali actor Pradeep Khadka is involved as creative producer, while Dorji Wangchuk serves as executive producer. Businessman Nirvaan Chaudhary of the Chaudhary Group is also associated with its production.

The project is presented by Sangay Tsheltrim Films and Peak XV, with collaboration from production organizations based in Nepal, Bhutan and India.

Dirgha Gurung and Sangay T. Tenzing handled cinematography, while Raju Tamang directed the action sequences.

The technical team also includes specialists working on production design, music, sound and visual effects.

International Expertise Behind the Film

The movie's music and sound work involved professionals in Thailand.

Composer Terdsak Janpan worked on the background score, while Karan Thamawong contributed to sound design and mixing. Nipan Studio worked on the visual effects.

The combination of international technical expertise, real filming locations and a supernatural survival storyline forms an important part of the film's presentation.

Is It Really Nepal's First Zombie Film?

Actor Anoop Bikram Shahi has publicly described Tunnel 26 as the first zombie film attempted within the Nepali film industry.

The claim reflects the production team's effort to introduce a different form of horror storytelling.

Nepali cinema has previously explored ghosts, supernatural mysteries, and psychological fear, but zombie-centered survival narratives remain uncommon.

However, an independent review of the industry's complete film history would be required to establish a definitive first. The film is also an international co-production rather than an exclusively Nepali production.

Why Was the October 9 Release Postponed?

The film was scheduled to open in Nepal and Bhutan on October 9, 2026.

However, its release was postponed shortly before the planned theatrical opening, following a premiere screening in Lalitpur.

The production team said it wanted to pursue a broader international release after receiving encouraging reactions at the premiere.

The filmmakers have announced plans for versions in Nepali, Dzongkha, Hindi and English.

Separately, some entertainment publications reported that technical issues involving dubbing and lip synchronization had been identified during the premiere. These reports have not been independently established as the official reason for the postponement.

As of October 11, a revised theatrical release date has not been confirmed.

Could This Bring Something New to Nepali Cinema?

Tunnel 26 stands out because of its unusual combination of a hydropower tunnel disaster, rescue teams, supernatural danger and zombie-themed survival horror.

Its collaboration between Nepal, Bhutan and India also demonstrates how filmmakers from neighboring countries can work together on stories intended for wider audiences.

Whether the film can successfully connect with viewers will become clearer once it reaches cinemas.

For now, the project offers an interesting example of Nepali participation in a horror genre that has rarely been explored in the country's mainstream film industry.