Four Nepali Films Set for Box Office Clash on February 15 Amid Public Holiday Stretch

It is not new in the Nepali film industry for producers and directors to scramble for film releases coinciding with consecutive public holidays. Sometimes the competition is so intense that four or five films clash on the same date.

An 'epic war' appears set for the Nepali box office on the upcoming date of Falgun 1 (February 15). The films 'Lalibazar', 'Shivansh', 'Bigul', and 'Shree Bukuro' are preparing for release on this day.

Public holidays have been declared for February 3 (Saturday), February 4 (Maha Shivaratri), February 7 (Galpo Lhosar), and February 8 (Democracy Day), totaling four days off. Taking advantage of this opportunity, producers and directors are gearing up to release their films in the first week of Falgun.

However, the film 'Kalli', which was scheduled for release on Falgun 1, has postponed its screening, citing the country's political situation and the elections.

'Lalibazar' is produced by Hexagon Arts, which has delivered successful films like the 'Jatra' series and 'Mahapurush'. The film stars Swastima Khadka in the lead role and is directed by Yam Thapa.

The screenplay is also by Director Thapa, with Rabindra Singh Baniya and Max Dipesh Khatri as producers. Pradeep Bhattarai is the executive producer of the film.

'Shivansh' is also set to release on Falgun 1, coinciding with the Maha Shivaratri festival. The film features actor Pravin Khatiwada in the lead role. Directed by Santosh Kumar Atreya, the film is presented by Anjan Cinema Production House. Besides Pravin, the film also stars Tej Giri and Rusa Neupane. The film is said to be based on the story of Shiva. Nhyu Bajracharya and Rajan Raj Shiwakoti have composed the music for the film.

Similarly, 'Bigul' is also coming out on Falgun 1. This film was originally scheduled for release on Magh 9 but was postponed to Falgun. Directed by Ramesh Koirala, the film is based on contemporary political and social issues. The film portrays the Gen Z generation's movement and the voice against corruption. Dinesh Koirala is the producer of the film. The cast includes Benisha Hamal, Naren Khadka, Ramesh Budhathoki, Neer Shah, and Saroj Khanal, among others.

'Shree Bukuro: The Home Calling' has also set Falgun 1 as its release date. 'Shree Bukuro' enters with a purely family story. The film is directed by Sudeep Bhupal Singh. Director Singh stated that the film also covers the fading family values and the desire to return home. The film features actors like Laxmi Giri, Ashirwad Chhetri, and Nikita Acharya. Ranjit Gajmer and Basanta Sapkota have composed the music for the film.

'Kalli' Postponed Due to Elections

The film 'Kalli', which was supposed to be part of this major clash on Falgun 1, has separated itself at the last moment. The production house, Lekali Entertainment, issued a press release informing that the film's screening has been postponed due to the elections.

The press release issued by Lekali Entertainment stated, 'It is natural for the public's attention to be on politics and the future of the nation when the country is heading into elections.'

The decision by 'Kalli' to step back, considering the potential commercial loss from four films clashing simultaneously and the political atmosphere, is also being analyzed as a wise move. The film stars Saugat Malla, Benisha Hamal, and Nazir Hussain in the main roles.