Itanagar: A film portraying a lesser-known chapter of Tibetan history has received support from Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu ahead of its nationwide theatrical release in India.
Khandu has extended his best wishes to the team behind ‘Four Rivers Six Ranges’, a historical action drama centred on the Chushi Gangdruk resistance movement and its role during the 1959 journey of the 14th Dalai Lama from Tibet to India.
In a post on X, the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister highlighted the importance of bringing the story of the Tibetan resistance fighters to a wider audience. He said the film could help preserve accounts of courage, sacrifice and resilience associated with that period of history.
The story focuses on members of Chushi Gangdruk, also known as “Four Rivers, Six Ranges”, who were involved in protecting and escorting the 14th Dalai Lama during his difficult journey across the Himalayan region in 1959.
Khandu also conveyed his greetings to producer Dorjee Wangdi Dewatshang, director Shenpenn Khymsar and the wider team as the film prepares to reach Indian cinemas.
‘Four Rivers Six Ranges’ is based on Dewatshang’s book ‘Flight at the Cuckoo’s Behest’ and explores the resistance movement through the experiences of its members. The film particularly brings figures associated with the movement, including Gonpo Tashi and Kunga Samten, into focus.
The movie had its world premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in 2025. It is scheduled to have a nationwide theatrical release in India on September 11, 2026. The production has a reported runtime of 132 minutes and is associated with India, Nepal and Canada.
Directed by Shenpenn Khymsar, the film seeks to present the historical events surrounding the Tibetan resistance and the Dalai Lama’s escape through a cinematic narrative. Recent coverage has described it as a project that draws attention to a chapter of Tibetan history that has received comparatively limited representation in mainstream cinema.
With the Indian release approaching, Khandu’s endorsement adds a significant voice of support for a film that aims to bring the story of Chushi Gangdruk and the 1959 Himalayan journey to audiences across the country.
