Shakuntala is a 2016 Nepali action drama film directed by Dinesh Shrestha, who also wrote the story, screenplay and dialogue, and produced by Maheshwor Khatri. The movie stars Rajesh Hamal, one of the most celebrated actors in Nepali cinema history, alongside Anu Shah, Kishor Khatiwada, Raj Thapa, Narendra Maharjan, Basanta Raj Rijal, Pradeep Dhakal, Smriti Shrestha, Rabindra Basnet and Ravi Giri. The film was released in theaters on August 26, 2016.

The film presents a dramatic story built around its title character, blending action sequences with emotional and social themes. Rajesh Hamal, known for his heroic roles and powerful screen presence, anchored the film's action element, while Anu Shah brought a strong female presence to the narrative. The supporting cast included several experienced actors of the Nepali film industry, adding depth to the ensemble. The combination of established stars and character actors was designed to appeal to a wide range of moviegoers, from families to young action fans.

Director Dinesh Shrestha had a reputation for handling dramatic and action-oriented stories, and his personal involvement in the story, screenplay and dialogue of Shakuntala ensured a cohesive vision. The production focused on delivering the large-scale action set pieces that audiences associated with Rajesh Hamal's films, while also building a story with moral and emotional weight.

The release of Shakuntala came at a time when the Nepali film industry was going through significant changes, with the arrival of new digital technologies and changing audience tastes. Rajesh Hamal's continued presence on the big screen was itself a draw for audiences who had grown up watching him, and the film capitalized on his enduring popularity. His pairing with Anu Shah brought together two generations of Nepali acting talent in a single production.

Shakuntala remains a part of the filmography of both Rajesh Hamal and Anu Shah, and an example of the action genre in Nepali cinema of the mid-2010s. For viewers interested in the evolution of Nepali action films and the careers of its central actors, the movie provides an interesting chapter from 2016.