Has golden era of Nepali films really begun?

Kathmandu, Dec. 15: After Dashain this year, one Nepali film after another is making news headlines as each local film released in the last two months has achieved an unprecedented success.

In the past, local films could hardly compete with Bollywood and Hollywood movies in the local theatres. But, it has been different this spring and winter as Nepali movies dominated the local theatres with record high collection of revenue and viewers' turnout. 

It is not an exaggeration to claim that the success of local movies in the past two months has added a remarkable chapter in the history of Nepal's silver screen, commented a film critic on condition of anonymity. 

In these two months, Purna Bahadurko Sarangi has set a milestone by becoming the first Nepali movie to earn approximately Rs. 500 million in the domestic market and about Rs. 250 million abroad, taking the total earnings to an impressive Rs. 750 million so far, according to distributors and various other sources. 

Released on October 31, the film directed by Saroj Poudel still continues to attract viewers to the theatres.

Other films like Chhakka Panja 5 and 12 Gaun have also gained significant popularity. 

According to an official from the Nepal Film Development Board (who wished to remain anonymous), 12 Gaun, starring Biraj Bhatt and his son Samir Bhatt, earned about Rs. 200 million while Deepak Raj Giri and Deepa Shree Niraula’s social comedy Chhakka Panja 5 collected over Rs. 150 million from the local market.

From Ghatasthapana to date, eight Nepali films have been released in theatres. Reports suggest that most of these films performed well, securing their investments and earning good profits.

On the day of Ghatasthapana (October 3), Behuli from Meghauli, starring Nischal Basnet and Swastima Khadka, was released. On Phulpati, three Nepali films -- Chhakka Panja 5, Jwai Saab, and 12 Gaun -- were released simultaneously.

Similarly, Hrashwo Deergha, released on November 14, managed to collect over Rs. 40 million domestically, according to an official from FDB. 

Nita Dhungana, the producer and actress of the film, shared on social media that Hrashwo Deergha has become the first Nepali movie to be sold to the Indian OTT platform Zee Network (Zee 5). She noted that, except for the rights in South Indian languages and Nepali, the OTT rights for other languages were sold to Zee Network.

According to Karan Shrestha, distributor of Tel Visa, which was released on November 22 and is still running in theatres, the film has earned about Rs. 45 million. Shrestha also reported that Jwai Saab garnered over Rs. 40 million. 

According to Shrestha, if the viewers like Nepali films, local cinema halls will give higher screenings to domestic films. The shows received in cinema halls by recent films have also demonstrated that stakeholders are willing to promote Nepali films, added Shrestha.

Likewise, a social-awareness film, Agnidahan, was also released on November 22. The film aims to raise awareness about misconceptions surrounding witchcraft.

Film experts have hailed this period as a golden era for the Nepali film industry, offering renewed hope for a bright future.

A Nepali film can earn a billion 

Veteran actor Nir Shah believes that the Nepali film industry will grow significantly, reaching a value of a billion or more, especially due to the recent success of some films. 

Filmmaker Prakash Sayami, FDB Chairman Dinesh DC, and film director Saroj Poudel also believe that the Nepali film market has high potential to earn a billion worldwide.

There are still 32 districts in Nepal without cinema halls. If these districts are equipped with film screening facilities, the Nepali film market is bound to expand further. 

Senior filmmaker and actor Shah remarked that the recent success of the Nepali film industry was a historic and unforgettable moment, elevating its status and potentially providing a new direction. 

According to Shah, the reason behind the success of Nepali films in recent times is the incredible surge in audience numbers. 

He further added that during the Rana regime and until some time ago, Nepali films struggled to attract audience and were largely overshadowed by foreign movies.

However, the current scenario presents a different picture, with domestic films achieving unprecedented popularity due to this increase in audience support, he added.

Filmmakers have always put in their best efforts, but for a long time, the audience was not ready to accept these films. Now, with authentic storytelling and improved quality, audiences have wholeheartedly embraced the Nepali cinema, said Shah. 

“Films have the unique ability to touch audiences emotionally. For example, Sameer Bhatta, the debut actor in 12 Gaun, successfully won the hearts of audiences, and I am very proud of him. Similarly, Chhakka Panja 5 resonated with audiences by addressing the current social issues, while Purna Bahadurko Sarangi deeply connected with human emotions, which played a significant role in its immense success,” said Shah. 

Globally, people are bound by shared human emotions, and Purna Bahadurko Sarangi captured these sentiments beautifully, leaving a profound impact on its viewers. This emotional connection is a key reason for its widespread acclaim, he added. 

The success of Nepali films can also be attributed to the national psychology. With the daily grind of life, people seek an escape, and films provide that opportunity. The combination of the right timing, mood, and presentation has helped create milestones in the Nepali film industry. 

“Films that prioritise Nepali originality have become particularly successful. Having spent my life in the Nepali film industry, I can proudly say that I am part of one of the most successful and historically significant industries in Nepal. Cinema is truly an art form with immense commercial potential,” said Shah. 

Likewise, FDB Chairman Dinesh DC proudly shared that this is a prosperous period and a transformative era for the Nepali film industry and it is a matter of great joy that a single Nepali film has grossed Rs. 750 million worldwide.  

Currently, FDB is approving two to three films for production daily, which is also a positive development, said DC. 

Historically, the year 2054 BS was considered the golden era of Nepali films. Today, we are witnessing what is being referred to as the second golden era, he added. 

“Since my appointment as the Chairman of the FDB, I have been working on implementing regulations for cinema halls, which have helped increase the gross revenue of films. Additionally, efforts are underway to establish a professional film studio. One of our key projects is setting up a real-time box office system. Starting from April 14 (Baishakh 1), the real-time box office will be operational,” said DC.

He further added that the Nepali film industry has been operating under the laws formulated way back in 1969, and we are now nearing the completion of amendments to modernise these outdated laws.

According to senior filmmaker and writer Prakash Sayami, filmmakers today have changed their style and demonstrated remarkable hard work in creating fascinating films. 

"This time, authentic Nepali film has broken traditional storytelling norms and helped expand the market. Slowly but steadily, Nepali films are gaining recognition on IMDb ratings, and their participation in international film festivals is transforming the audience's perception of the Nepali cinema," said Sayami. 

The current scenario of the Nepali film industry has shown that the real golden era of our film industry has started, he said, adding, "Nepali films have created a significant market, and cinema literacy has also developed among both filmmakers and audiences. Social media has greatly helped to publicise the film sector, further boosting its growth.”

He further suggested that now filmmakers should focus on international collaborations with industries such as Chinese, Korean, British, Burmese, and South Indian cinema. 

Saroj Poudel, Director and writer of Purna Bahadurko Sarangi, said that Purna Bahadurko Sarangi created history, earning around Rs. 40 million in a single day and securing 500 shows within a day. "This film has become the highest-grossing movie in the history of Nepali cinema," he claimed.

“I hoped the audience would love Purna Bahadurko Sarangi, but I never imagined it could achieve this level of success, becoming the highest-grossing film in Nepali cinema history and breaking many records,” said the filmmaker.

The movie presents a simple yet organic story, portraying the struggles of a father and addressing social issues that may have resonated with audiences. The film was made on a budget of Rs. 16 million, he added.  

The film initially began with a limited number of shows but gained momentum through word-of-mouth support from the audience. As a result, the film’s popularity grew significantly.

“We are planning to celebrate 51 days soon, and the occupancy level is still impressive,” said Poudel. 

Hit films that helped to uplift industry 

Looking at the history, a few films have immensely helped revive the sluggish industry. In 2001, Darpan Chhaya was released, successfully attracting a large number of audiences to the theatres and giving the industry a much-needed boost.

Similarly, in 2012, Nischal Basnet's film Loot revitalised the deeply demoralised film industry. 

In 2015, Ram Babu Gurung’s Kabaddi became an immense hit, not only attracting people to the theatres but also leading to a successful sequel. All four sequels of Kabaddi have been equally loved by the audience. Likewise, the Chhakka Panja series has continued to support the film industry to this day.

Now, Purna Bahadurko Sarangi stands as a pillar of the Nepali film industry, providing confidence to filmmakers and changing the poor perception of Nepali films among the audience.