Movie business likely to thrive as polls conclude

by Santosh Subedi,Kaski, Mar. 26: The business outlook for Nepali films appears to remain positive this year as well. 

Many of the films that have been released have performed well commercially.

 However, as the year draws to a close, the month of Falgun was not favourable for the film industry. Due to the House of Representatives elections, many films had to be lifted from cinemas.

Films like ‘Bigul’, ‘Shree Bukuro: The Home Calling’, and ‘Shivansh: Chapter 1’ to ‘Prawasi Jiwan’ were failed to attract movie-goers. 

According to box office data, none of these films even managed to collect Rs. 1 million. 

Similarly, the film ‘Lalima’, which was released on March 13, also performed poorly.

 According to data from the Film Development Board, the film had earned a gross of Rs.  529,738 by last Saturday.

 During this period, only 2,040 tickets were sold.

At a time when the Nepali film industry had declined to almost zero in the first three weeks of March, four major films are set to be released from the last week of March through April. Hami Teen Bhai is scheduled for release on April 10.

This film is set in a rural backdrop and revolves around the emotional bond between brothers. According to the production team, it portrays the conflicts that arise after marriage and the struggles that follow in the lives of the siblings.

“Likewise, ‘36 Ko Aakda’ will be released on April 10, while ‘Ram Naam Satya’ and ‘Dallele Entry Maryo’ are also almost certain to release on the same date, leading to a box office clash.

This competition is being closely watched within the Nepali film industry. On one hand, there is the comeback of evergreen actress Rekha Thapa, while on the other, there is the continuing popularity of action star Biraj Bhatta following his film ‘12 Gaun’.

The film ‘36 Ko Aakda’, produced by actress Rekha Thapa, will also mark the return of actress Niruta Singh to the screen after many years.

 Director Sabir Shrestha has said in an interview that the film presents social themes and will offer audiences a different flavour.

 ‘Dallele Entry Maryo’ film marks the debut of actress Roshni Khadka, while Sagar Lamsal ‘Bale’ appears as the male lead. According to director Raju Giri, the film highlights the abilities of people with disabilities and society’s perception of them.

Competing with these two films is ‘Ram Naam Satya’.

 Directed by Michael Chand, the film features Biraj Bhatta, Sushil Shrestha, Divya Rayamajhi, Supushpa Bhatta, Ayush Singh Thakuri, late Sunil Thapa, Prashant Tamrakar, and Khushi Karki, among others. 

The teaser clearly indicates that the film belongs to the action genre. 

Beginning with Biraj’s voice-over, it provides a brief insight into the film’s style and storyline. 

The teaser suggests that the central plot revolves around a man seeking revenge after losing his loved ones to violent attacks. This is also the final film of actor Sunil Thapa in terms of filming. He passed away before completing the shooting of the movie. The film’s released song ‘Dhagole Bateko’ is currently gaining significant popularity.