Gajalu is a 2016 Nepali drama and romance film directed by Hem Raj B.C., who also produced the movie along with Rohit Adhikari under the banners of Rohit Adhikar Films and BC Motion Pictures. The film stars Shristi Shrestha in the lead role of Sujata Shakya, a former Kumari, alongside Anmol K.C. as Aarav, with Salon Basnet, Gaurav Pahari, Menuka Pradhan, Rohhan Rai, Gauri Malla and Krishna Malla in supporting roles.

Gajalu was released in Nepali cinemas on June 10, 2016, with a running time of 137 minutes. The film was made on a budget of about 1 crore rupees and went on to earn approximately 4.9 crore rupees at the box office, making it a major commercial success. The story of the film is partly inspired by the novel Half Girlfriend by Chetan Bhagat.

The plot revolves around Sujata Shakya, a young woman who was once a Kumari, the living goddess worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal. After her retirement from this divine role, she struggles to adjust to ordinary life. Her life changes when she becomes friends with six young people who help her discover the joys of everyday living. One of them, Aarav, is an aspiring filmmaker who has just returned to Nepal after completing his filmmaking degree in the United States.

Aarav's family situation adds another layer to the story. His father, played by Krishna Malla, is modern and believes in freedom of choice for his children, while his mother, played by Gauri Malla, is strict and wants her children to follow traditional norms. Aarav's older sister Prakriti, played by Menuka Pradhan, along with their inseparable friends Jason, Rajiv and Lakshya, bring energy and warmth to the narrative.

The film's music was composed by Kali Prasad Baskota and Hercules Basnet, with background scores by Shailesh Shrestha. The cinematography was handled by Keshav Thapa. Reviews noted that the chemistry between the couples, especially between Menuka Pradhan and Gaurav Pahari, was realistic, while the Kumari theme gave the film a unique cultural identity.

Gajalu remains one of the most successful films of Shristi Shrestha's career and a landmark production that brought the fascinating tradition of the Kumari to the big screen.