Nepali Film Industry Sees Unprecedented Slowdown in Phalgun Due to Election Fever

Kathmandu. Election fervor is escalating across the country. As the political atmosphere intensifies, activity in cinema halls has begun to decline. The month of Phalgun is traditionally considered good for Nepali film business. Looking at previous years, there used to be a major scramble among producers to release films in Phalgun. By that standard, this Phalgun appears lackluster for the Nepali box office.

Film releases at the beginning of Phalgun have been affected by the elections. Before the election dates were set, five films had scheduled their release for Phalgun 1. However, after the election announcement, 'Kalli' and 'Lalibazar' withdrew. Only the remaining three films, 'Bigul', 'Shree Bukuro', and 'Shivansh', were released. 'Lalibazar' has been postponed to Baisakh 28, while 'Kalli' is yet to set a new date. Even the released films have not managed to attract the expected audience.

Politics and film are both subjects that influence human psychology. Whenever politics takes center stage, the entertainment sector tends to be overshadowed. That is why there is no rush of film releases after Phalgun 1. Looking at the release calendar so far, Phalgun 8 appears empty, and only one film, 'Prawasi Jeevan', is scheduled for the 15th. Since the election date is Phalgun 21, there are no films on Phalgun 22. In the last week of Phalgun, on the 29th, one film, 'Lalima', is preparing for release. Even if the election occurs, if the vote counting is not complete, the release of 'Lalima' could also be affected.

Film distributor Karan Shrestha says the current situation is a 'wait and see' approach. 'This Phalgun month should have been very exciting for the Nepali film industry, but the election on the 21st has changed the atmosphere,' says Shrestha. 'For us distributors and investors, this election period is uncertain. We are concerned about what the audience's priority will be during the elections and what the security situation will be.'

He explains that they postponed this Phalgun's films because they did not see the timing as appropriate. 'Some might think this is due to a shortage of films,' Shrestha says, 'We have no shortage of films. Even if we stop shooting any new films for the next two years, we have enough films in stock for release.' He states that releasing a film amidst the heat of the election means taking a risk with the investment.

'Business is not everything. Before being filmmakers, we are responsible citizens of this country. Elections in the country mean the strengthening of democracy,' says Shrestha. 'If this election benefits the country, we view the compromise in our business plans positively.'

During elections, the attention of the general public shifts towards political news, candidates, and voting. In such a situation, producers fear that film promotions will be sidelined and films will not be the audience's priority. Making a film is one aspect, but releasing it at the wrong time is like pouring water on sand.

Actor and General Secretary of the Film Producers Association, Khagendra Lamichhane, is also concerned about the impact seen on releases in Phalgun. He states that the main reason for the lack of films in Phalgun is the fear of the elections.

'In previous years, Phalgun used to be a very busy month for film releases, but this time there are no films on the 9th or 15th,' says Lamichhane. 'This is all an impact of the elections. Makers have an assessment that audiences will not come to theaters due to the election atmosphere, which is why they did not want to take risks during this time.' He believes the upcoming election is the reason why the business of currently running films is not encouraging.

• What will happen to these films?

As the elections draw nearer, a decline in audience numbers in cinema halls has already started to be visible. With the film sector slowing down due to the election rush, it is uncertain whether the two films scheduled for release on Phalgun 15 and 29, 'Prawasi Jeevan' and 'Lalima', will come out on their set dates or be postponed. Phalgun 15 is the peak time for election campaigning, and by the 29th, the vote counting results might still be ongoing. Releasing a film amidst such political tension could be a huge risk for the producers.

'Prawasi Jeevan' is a film starring Rajesh Hamal in the lead role. Scheduled for nationwide release starting Phalgun 15, this film presents the story of the struggle and success of Nepalis residing in the United States. Directed jointly by Shyam Chhetri and Ram Adhikari, the film features Hamal alongside Sarita Lamichhane, Buddhi Tamang, Mahadev Adhikari, Angela Basnet, and others.

Similarly, the film 'Lalima', scheduled for release on Phalgun 29, is based on the real experiences and struggles of three thousand sex workers. Directed by Roshan Miraj, the film stars Roshni Karki, Shishir Bangdel, Jeevan Bhattarai, Usha Rajak, and Sushma Neupane in lead roles.