In collaboration with the Karnali International Film Festival, “Nakkhhi,” a novel by senior litterateur Dr. Mahendra Kumar Malla, has been launched. The novel, which is based on an authentic and indigenous story of the Karnali region, was released to the public.

Embracing realism in its thematic trend and employing postmodernism from a stylistic perspective, “Nakkhhi” depicts the extreme disparities within Nepali society. The novel has been published by Shikha Books.

Launching the novel, senior critic Prof. Dr. Dayaram Shrestha ‘Sambhav’ stated that “Nakkhhi” is not just a story of caste-based oppression, but a tragic narrative of the social system. “While there is artistry in the arrangement of events, the blend of imagination in the texture and weaving of the plot has given it artistic height,” he said, adding, “The entirely innovative use of narrative craftsmanship has made the novel distinctive.”

Reviewing the novel, Prof. Dr. Kul Prasad Koirala remarked that since it vividly depicts the stories, setting, language, attire, customs, and overall lifestyle of Karnali, the novel presents itself with regional (regionalist/local color) characteristics. Similarly, actress Surakshya Panta noted that the novel successfully blends social life trends into realistic and postmodern tendencies under the guise of a love story.

During the program, speakers discussed that Dr. Malla’s latest creation “Nakkhhi,” which specifically carries the regional flavor of the Mid-West, possesses the capacity to shake society from its very roots.

Critics opined that “Nakkhhi”—which has emerged as a beautiful piece of poetic novel (Kavyanyas) in the tradition of the Nepali novel—is excellent in terms of social reality, postmodern craft, the tragic depiction of contemporary Nepali life, and aesthetic consciousness.

Dr. Malla, who writes poetry, essays, plays, and fiction, previously published the poetry collection “Bhasako Bakpatra” (2079 BS). A former Registrar of Mid-Western University, he has already authored textbooks and reference books including “Linguistics and Eastern and Western Literary Theory,” “Major Theories of Linguistics,” “Lexicography,” and “Applied Linguistics.”

During the launch ceremony of “Nakkhhi,” Dr. Malla’s ghazal titled “Ek Krishnaki Radha” was also released.