FDB honours 25 highest-grossing films

By Renuka Dhakal,Kathmandu,July.1: The Nepal Film Development Board (FDB) celebrated its 25th anniversary with a grand programme honouring 25 most successful Nepali films in terms of box office collection.

On the occasion, the Board also launched the real-time Box Office @ Cinema app and announced Nepali month Asoj 15 as National Cinema Day. Likewise, a commemorative postage stamp featuring the poster of Aama, first Nepali film, was also launched.

 Aama, released in Asoj 2021 BS, was directed by Hira Singh Khatri and starred Shiva Shankar Khatri and Bhuwan Chand in the lead roles. The Postal Services Department issued two stamps, each priced at Rs. 10, featuring images of the film’s lead actors. 

Speaking at the event, Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung said, “On the occasion of the glorious 60-year history of Nepali cinema, we have declared Asoj 15 as National Cinema Day as per the decision of the Council of Ministers held on June 27, to commemorate the release date of the film Aama.”

The Minister also said that the Ministry has proposed an amendment to the existing Film Act in the Parliament, with the aim of helping the film industry grow.

 “We want the upcoming Act will reflect the sentiments of all stakeholders. We are working with a plan to organise the film sector as one of our key initiatives for this year, because I believe that when the film industry prospers, every other sector prospers as well,” he added.

The Board also released a list of the 25 highest-grossing Nepali films of the past 60 years.  Purna Bahadurko Sarangi, directed by Saroj Paudel, has earned over Rs. 468.74 million and become the number one highest-grossing film ever in the Nepali cinema industry. 

In the second place stands Kabaddi 4, which has grossed over Rs. 214 million. In the third position is 12 Gaun, starring Biraj Bhatt and Samir Bhatt, which has earned over Rs. 199.2 million.

Next on the list is Chhakka Panja 4, starring Deepak Raj Giri and Deepa Shree Niraula, which earned over Rs. 175.3 million.

In the fifth place is Jari, directed by Upendra Subba, with earnings of over Rs. 174.7 million.

In sixth place is Chhakka Panja 1, which grossed over Rs. 161 million and Seventh is Mahajatra, directed by Pradip Bhattarai, with earnings over Rs. 156.7 million.

Eighth is Chhakka Panja 5, which made over Rs. 152 million.

Ninth is Kohinoor, starring late Shree Krishna Shrestha, earning over Rs. 147.5 million.

Tenth is Chhakka Panja 2, which grossed Rs.  145.1 million.

Likewise, in the 11th spot stands Shatru Gate, with earnings over Rs. 126.5 million, followed by Unko Sweater, directed by Nabin Chauhan, which earned Rs. 106.2 million.

The 13th is Kabaddi 2, which earned over Rs. 103.5 million and on the 14th is Boksi Ko Ghar, which grossed over Rs. 101 million.

Earning over Rs. 99.2 million, Chha Maya Chhapakkai ranked 15th, followed by Dimaag Kharab, with earnings over Rs. 89.8 million.

 In 17th is Anjila, which earned Rs.  88.3 million, in 18th is Paradeshi 2, with earnings over Rs. 79.2 million, 19th is Chhakka Panja 3 with Rs. 78.3 million, 20th is Prem Geet 3, with an earning over Rs. 76.3 million, in 21st place is Kabaddi Kabaddi Kabaddi with over Rs. 75.9 million, 22nd is Pujar Sarki, with Rs. 73.8 million, 23rd is Mahapurush, with earnings over Rs. 73.5 million, 24th is Kabaddi with over Rs. 73.4 million.

At the end of the list, in 25th place, is Pashupati Prasad 2: Bhasme Don which earned Rs. 73.2 million.

Addressing the programme, Board Chairman Dinesh DC said, “Starting today, we are offering 33 services from the Board through online platforms.” 

He further said that the newly launched Box Office @ Cinepa app will help producers access real-time data, bringing greater transparency to the film business.