Despite challenges, Nepali film industry records some progress

Kathmandu, Apr. 13: The Nepali year 2079 proved to be a year of progress for the domestic film industry. Despite facing significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry made a remarkable recovery and returned to its normalcy earlier than expected.

Notwithstanding a reduction in film production by about half compared to the pre-COVID-19 period, the Nepali film industry managed to do satisfactory business this year. 

The Nepali year 2079 commenced with the release of ‘A Mero Hajur 4’, which starred Anmol KC and Suhana Thapa, on April 14 and wrapped up with the release of ‘Bahaab’, a film that featured Surakshya Panta in the lead role. The film has been screening in cinemas since April 7. 

Between Baisakh 1 (April 14) and Chait 24 (April 7), a total of 52 films were released in the Nepali filmdom, which is notably lesser than the pre-COVID -19 period when more than 100 films used to be released in a year.

 Despite the obstacles, the Nepali film industry has headed towards progress, and a few movies have succeeded in performing well at the box office this year.

As per the box office report, 'Kabaddi 4: The Final Match' directed by Ram Bahadur Gurung, has emerged as one of the most successful movies of the year, making history by earning over.  Rs. 213 million. Another movie that performed well at the box office was ‘Chhakka Panja 4’, which has collected over Rs.  169 million so far and is still being screened in theaters.

According to the box office report, ‘Prem Geet 3’, directed by late Chhetan Gurung and Santosh Sen, was released in more than 1,200 cinema theaters in both India and Nepal, both Hindi and Nepali versions being released. 

The Hindi edition of the movie grossed over Rs. over Rs. 22 million in Nepal, while the Nepali version of the film garnered over Rs.  77 million in the country. The movie was the first-ever Indo-Nepali film to be released simultaneously in both countries.

The movie ‘Mahapurush’, directed by Pradip Bhattarai and starring Hari Bansha Acharya, struck a chord with the audience with its story about a single father's struggle to gain acceptance for his love from society and his family later in life.

The movie's success was evident as it earned over Rs. over Rs. 73 million at the Nepali box office, owing to its widespread appreciation by viewers.

The film ‘Aaina Jhyal Ko Putali’, directed by Sujit Bidari, received a warm reception from both the audience and critics this year. 

The film received high praise for its authentic storyline, talented cast, and skillful direction. It made a significant impact, demonstrating that a simple story can be a major success. The movie centres around the shattered aspirations of a rural schoolgirl who wished to pursue her education but was forced to marry at a young age due to her family's poor financial condition. It also portrays the pure relationship between siblings in a poignant manner and was even submitted to the Oscars as Nepal's entry.

The movies such as 'Dui Nambari' directed by Dipendra Lama and starring Dayahang Rai and Saugat Malla, 'Fulbari' directed by Rambabu Gurung of 'Kabaddi' fame, 'Jhingedau' directed by Gyanendra Deuja, 'Ke Ghar Ke Dera' directed by Dipendra K Khanal, and Anmol KC and Suhana Thapa's 'A Mero Hajur 4' were well-received by the audience and managed to make a profit at the box office.

Additionally, some artistic films like 'Chiso Manchhe,' 'Dokh,' 'Paniphoto,' and 'Prakash' were well-liked by both critics and the audience. 

This year, the Nepali film market was dominated by Hollywood, South Indian, and Bollywood films in addition to Nepali movies. Foreign films such as ‘KGF: Chapter 2’, ‘Pathan’, ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’, and ‘Brahmastra’ achieved tremendous success in Nepal.

Despite a few successful films, the Nepali film industry was largely dominated by sequels this year, with only big banner and brand name films based on sequels making a significant impact at the box office.

Similarly, like previous years, weak stories, screenplays, and direction have been cited as the main reasons behind the poor performance of Nepali films this year as well.

Apart from a few films backed by strong brands, sequels, and popular actors, the majority of films failed to attract ordinary audiences this year.