Gopal Bhutani (1932–2010) was a pioneering Nepali action director, actor, and stunt coordinator who played a significant role in shaping action cinema in Nepal. He entered the Nepali film industry in 1975 as the country's first action director with the film Jiban Rekha, introducing professionally choreographed action sequences to Nepali cinema. He later directed action scenes for several notable films, including Kanchhi, Santaan, and Manko Baadh, helping establish action as an important element of Nepali filmmaking. In addition to his work behind the camera, Bhutani acted in more than three dozen Nepali films. His pioneering contributions earned him recognition as one of the founders of action filmmaking in Nepal.