Nepali Film Industry Faces Setback in Falgun; Major Releases Scheduled for Chaitra Amidst Competition

Kathmandu. The month of Falgun was not a fortunate one for the Nepali film industry. Audience turnout dwindled due to the House of Representatives elections. Films released around this time suffered significant failures due to the elections.

From 'Bigul', 'Shree Bukuro: The Home Calling', and 'Shivansh' released on Falgun 1, to 'Prawasi Jeevan' on the 15th, the investment in all these films proved futile. According to statistics, none of these films managed to gross even 1 million at the box office. The release dates for some films have been postponed. The commercial report for 'Lalima', released on Friday, is yet to come.

Now, four major films are set to release in Chaitra. Looking at the Chaitra release calendar, the initial weeks appear somewhat quiet, but the month will conclude with the 'Mahasangram'.

No Nepali film will be released on the first Friday of Chaitra (6th). The main reason is the release of the highly anticipated Bollywood film 'Dhurandhar 2' on Chaitra 5. Nepali producers have refrained from attempting a release on this date, fearing competition from a major Bollywood release. In the second week of Chaitra, on the 13th, only one film, 'Hami Teen Bhai', is preparing to release. As no other release is scheduled for this date, this film appears set to have a solo run.

Similarly, no film will be released in the third week (20th). In the final week, on Chaitra 27, three films, '36 Ko Aankada', 'Ram Naam Satya', and 'Dalle Le Entry Maryo', are almost certain to clash.

• 'Hami Teen Bhai' Gets an Opportunity

One of the many reasons for the low business of Nepali films is the simultaneous release of too many films. However, 'Hami Teen Bhai' seems set for a solo release, coming to theaters from Chaitra 13. This film is set in a rural environment and is based on the emotional relationship between brothers. Madhusudan Bhattarai is the director. Bhattarai stated that the film depicts the friction that arises in the lives of the brothers after marriage and the subsequent struggle.

The film, produced under the banner of Prasiddhi Cine Arts Pvt. Ltd., features performances by Binod Neupane, Laxmi Bardewa, Kushal Bista, Rabindra Jha, Rajaram Paudel, Bishnu Sapkotta (Harke Haldar), Yadav Devkota (Sarape), and others. A film with this name was made in 2004, which remains very popular to this day.

Mahasangram During New Year

The Nepali New Year is considered auspicious for the film industry. Many films released during this period in previous years have been commercially successful. Targeting the year 2083, three major films are set to clash on Chaitra 27. This confrontation is being watched with great interest in the Nepali film sector. On one side is the comeback of the evergreen actress Rekha Thapa, and on the other is the craze for action star Biraj Bhatt.

The film '36 Ko Aankada', produced by actress Rekha Thapa, is based on a social theme. Directed by Sabir Shrestha, the film stars Rekha Thapa, Pooja Sharma, Niruta Singh, Mahesh Tripathi, and Pushpa Khadka in lead roles. Niruta is appearing on the big screen after many years with this film. Rekha Thapa is also returning to the screen after a hiatus with this film. Director Shrestha stated that the film will offer a different flavor to the audience.

'36 Ko Aankada' is made under the joint banner of Rekha Films and Kites Entertainment. RR Films is distributing the film across Nepal.

Meanwhile, another film, 'Dalle Le Entry Maryo', is also set for release on the same day. This film is particularly in the spotlight because of actress Roshni Khadka. Roshni suddenly went viral after a comment made by judge Rachana Gurung regarding her missing hand during the Miss Nepal 2025 auditions. This brave and talented Roshni is debuting with this film. Sagar Lamsal 'Bale' also appears as the hero in the film. Directed by Raju Giri, the film addresses the capabilities of persons with disabilities and society's perception.

Another major attraction for the New Year is the film 'Ram Naam Satya'. After the immense success of '12 Gaun', Biraj Bhatt is once again appearing on screen. Directed by Michael Chand, the film also features performances by Sushil Shrestha, Divya Rayamajhi, Supushpa Bhatt, Ayush Singh Thakuri, Sunil Thapa, Prashant Tamrakar, Khushi Karki, among others.

This film, produced under the banner of Michael Entertainment, is invested in by Upendra Shahi and Sweta Bimli. Kishore Bhatta, Rajendra Bhatta, and Arjun Sunar are the executive producers, and Moti Karki is the creative producer.