Dayahang Rai

Acting

Dayahang Rai

Born 1980-04-13 · Khawa, Bhojpur District, Nepal

Dayahang Rai is a cornerstone of modern Nepali cinema, often credited with shifting the industry away from stereotypical hero tropes toward nuanced, character-driven storytelling. A proud representative of the indigenous Rai community, he brought his extensive background in theatre specifically from the renowned Gurukul: School of Theatre to the silver screen, debuting in the film Anagarik in 2006. However, it was his breakout role Gopal in the 2012 blockbuster Loot that transformed him into a national phenomenon. This role, along with his performance in the Kabaddi franchise, cemented his reputation for portraying the "common man" with a blend of dry humor and deep emotional resonance. Throughout his prolific career, Dayahang has demonstrated remarkable range, moving seamlessly between mainstream hits and artistic, independent projects. His collaboration with director Nischal Basnet and his work in films like White Sun (Seto Surya) with Deepak Rauniyar— which gained international acclaim at the Venice Film Festival—showcase his commitment to elevating Nepali cinema on the global stage. Beyond his acting prowess, he is a dedicated mentor to young artists and continues to be involved in the theatre scene through Mandala Theatre, which he co-founded. In his personal life, he is married to Benuka Rai, and together they have a son, Samduhang Rai. His journey from a small village in Bhojpur to becoming a multiple National Award winner remains an inspiring blueprint for aspiring actors across the Himalayas.

Acting credits

Jhumkee poster
NR

A suspenseful story about violence towards women in Nepal.

Jhumkee

2016

Saanghuro poster
8.0

A portrayal of the everyday struggles faced by a newly married couple in a slum in urban Nepal.

Saanghuro

2013

Chhadke poster
7.3

The film tells the story of three childhood friends. The trio all had dreams to fulfill 'when they grew up', but time and destiny seem to have other plans for them. A difficult life is forced upon them when the elder brother of one of these three men is hit by the vehicle of a shady character called Chewang and left completely paralyzed. The three friends then find themselves in the way of a criminal gang called 'Royal', of which Chewang is the leader.

Chhadke

2013

Loot poster
7.6

Loot is the story for five guys who find quick ways of success and accomplishment in life. It is a quest for quick money and better life. In a place where the crime rates are ascending day by day, Loot draws a reality check on the present security system of the city. Loot is about relationships: it's about friendship and betrayal. Loot is the real picture of Kathmandu; the city of crime and lawlessness like never explored before.

Loot

2012

Fulbari poster
8.0

In a small village of Ilam, Jaya Narayan Sharma and Laxmi Sharma are living their retired life. Meanwhile, their children who are living in the city are more focused on their own life and career. Living own life arise a problem in the family members which creates distancing when they are in need of each other.

Fulbari

2023

Kanchhi poster
10.0

Set in Nepal’s high Himalayas, two childhood friends defy family expectations and social barriers as their enduring love is tested by circumstances determined to keep them apart.

Kanchhi

2018

Bhuthan: The World’s Happiest Man poster
NR

Bhutan: The World’s Happiest Man tells the story of Mr. Bishnu, an aging Bhutanese-American in Ohio, who dreams of returning to his homeland. After his unexpected death, his family faces a conflict over his final resting place, torn between past memories and present realities. This emotional drama explores themes of love, loss, and the search for belonging.

Bhuthan: The World’s Happiest Man

2025

Barista Balaram poster
NR

Movie follows the story of Balaram, an orphaned Brahmin boy raised by a poor Rai couple in a society that never accepts him as their own. Struggling with identity, poverty, and prejudice, Balaram is pushed into crime but rises against injustice to prove that true family is built on love, not blood. As he fights for dignity and belonging, he transforms not just his fate, but the hearts of those around him.

Barista Balaram

2025

Ghampani poster
5.0

Two people from different caste start to fall in love but as their parents oppose them; they run away.

Ghampani

2017

Talakjung vs Tulke poster
7.3

Tulke – a simpleton day-laborer in a Nepalese mountain village –struggles to reclaim his lost aristocratic identity while a violent revolution disrupts every aspect of village life. Humiliated everyday by everybody around him, Tulké desperately seeks recognition and respect. Instead, he is falsely accused by the woman he loves and forced to flee from his ancestral village. When the city corrupts him and teaches him how the treacherous accumulate and wield power, he returns to his village to avenge himself against people who have wronged him and his family. He becomes a lackey to the revolutionaries in the village, and because he refuses to wrong those he loves, finds himself ensnared in a web of deception and violence, leading to a tragic conclusion for everybody.

Talakjung vs Tulke

2014

Bihe Pass poster
NR

When a shady married man is caught in the illegal act by his wife's father, a government official, he must pass the Public Service Commission exam or risk losing his wife.

Bihe Pass

2023

Saili poster
NR

The movie is based on the true story of the Nepali worker in the middle east who are compelled to be away from their families.

Saili

2019

Highway poster
5.8

Five different relationship stories become connected during an ill-fated bus journey from eastern Nepal to the capital, Kathmandu.

Highway

2012

Mr. Jholay poster
6.1

Three middle aged childhood friends Purne, Karne and Guna Prasad are still bachelor and want to get married and settled. Purne’s mother want to marry his son with a daughter of a rich villager. The father of the born unlucky girl has announced 1.5 Million rupees for her groom. Karne from the untouchable cast is in one sided love with the same born unlucky girl. Guna Prasad, a public school teacher is unable to express his deep inner love to Karne’s sister. The dreams and desires of each friend bring conflict between them and the drama gone extreme when a hunter tourist make an entry in the village. Their childhood friendship is now on the edge of the sword.

Mr. Jholay

2018

Dasdhunga poster
5.7

Based on true events of the mysterious death of CPN-UML leader Madan Bhandari in Dashdhunga, Nepal.

Dasdhunga

2010

Jaari 2: Song of Chyabrung poster
NR

Continuing the story of the first film, Jaari 2 follows the journey of Namsang and his wife Hangma as they embark on a new chapter of their married life. The film's narrative is deeply rooted in the culture of the Limbu community and revolves around the Chyabrung, a traditional drum that symbolizes love, identity and resilience. The film explores how Namsang navigates personal struggles and the complexities of his community's traditions with the guidance of the drum's rhythms.

Jaari 2: Song of Chyabrung

2025

The Rise of Saamrajya poster
NR

Plot to be announced.

The Rise of Saamrajya

Taandro poster
7.5

A wounded rebel from an underground insurgent group seeks refuge in a remote village, where guilt, suspicion, and the struggle for survival force him to confront his past and the consequences of violence.

Taandro

2015

Rangeli poster
NR

A gritty gangster drama that explores themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal in the Rangeli region of the Terai plains.

Rangeli

2024

Lalteen poster
3.0

Lalteen is a movie that illustrates the criminal activities of gangs and their way of life in the city. Guns and violence are daily rituals of gang members and innocent people are victimized. Lalteen visualizes the hardship when involved with criminals and the result is mostly terrible.

Lalteen

2017

Loot 2 poster
6.0

Loot ended with Haku Kale plotting against his four team members to take over entire robbed money. The four gang members, who were framed for the bank robbery, now escape from the prison and want to take revenge against Haku Kale.

Loot 2

2017

Pitambar poster
NR

Pitambar is a story of a fearless and tactful warrior who has fought many hardships. Being a rejected child at an early age, he got the chance to be intimate with the roller coaster of life, making him like a rock. He wants to destroy the empire of perpetrators in Parasi to regain his mom's prestigious image but discovers the shocking truths one after the other in his way. The circumstances are against him but his mother is always there to embrace, to lead, and to support him.

Pitambar

2025

Fanko poster
5.0

A driver named Bhakti Thapa is assigned a job to transport one crore rupees from Pokhara to Kathmandu. But people having this secret information are behind him to rob him.

Fanko

2016

A Road to the Village poster
NR

Maila, a basket weaver, his wife Maile, and seven-year-old son Bindray live a simple village life in the mountainous region of eastern Nepal. When a road to their village is finally built, they see it as a blessing. Soon, along with the first bus, soda, television, and hip hop beats arrive. But as modern amenities creep in, Maila's life begins to unravel. He's trapped between sticking to tradition at home or going beyond the village to survive.Meanwhile Bindray uses his resourcefulness to get closer to the gifts the the new road brings. Ultimately Maila and Maile must figure out how to continue in a world that is leaving them behind.

A Road to the Village

2024