Nepali Film Industry Sees Growth in 2082; Five Major Releases Scheduled for Baisakh

Kathmandu. The year 2082 can be considered a positive one for the Nepali film industry. This year, Nepali cinema has taken an encouraging leap in both commercial and creative terms.

Based on data from the Film Development Board, 57 films have been released this year, up to the release of 'Ram Naam Satya' last Friday.

These films grossed over 1.08 billion 38 million rupees and successfully drew approximately 3.781 million viewers to the theaters.

Released towards the end of the year on 27 Chaitra, action star Biraj Bhatta's film 'Ram Naam Satya' has also had a pleasant start at the box office. Distributor Govinda Shahi says the film, aimed at the New Year 2083, performed well on Friday and Saturday. In this action-suspense thriller directed by Michael Chand, not only Biraj's action but also Supushpa Bhatta, Sushil Shrestha, and Divya Rayamajhi are attracting audiences.

As 'Ram Naam Satya' generates excitement in theaters, a question may arise in the minds of the audience: will there be a drought of new films in the upcoming Baisakh? However, looking at the release calendar, it appears that 5 highly anticipated and well-regarded films are scheduled for release in the month of Baisakh. In Baisakh alone, 5 major films including 'Pahad', 'Paral Ko Aago', 'Lalibazar', 'Malati Mangle', and 'Guru Aama' are preparing for release.

• What are the stories like?

Looking at the list of 5 films to be released in Baisakh, it seems the Nepali film industry is slowly shifting from 'masala' to 'substance'. These films cover various aspects of Nepali soil, literature, rural life, and social relationships.

Director Tulsi Ghimire's film 'Pahad' is releasing on Baisakh 1. Beyond entertainment, it is said to be a mirror of recent Nepali mountain life. The film will tell the story of emptying villages, pain, the ups and downs of human relationships, and the reality our rural society is facing. Ghimire, an expert in making good films, says the film is a 'full dose' of entertainment. With emotional dialogues and touching scenes in the trailer released for promotion, there is a strong possibility that this film will draw family audiences to the theaters.

Similarly, another anticipated film coming on Baisakh 11 is 'Paral Ko Aago'. Based on Guru Prasad Mainali's classic story, this film accurately portrays the rural psychology of how a simple argument between a husband and wife is like a fire in straw, which flares up and dies down quickly. Sushil Pokharel, who has produced many good films, has returned to production after about 8 years with this film. Producer Sushil claims that this film, which uses original stories and good artists, has turned out excellent.

Likewise, there is widespread discussion in the market about 'Lalibazar', which will be released on Baisakh 18. Set against the backdrop of Rajapur in Bardiya, the film will tell a new story for the audience. The changed look and role of actress Swastima Khadka included in the film's promotional material have increased curiosity about the film. Director Yam Thapa says that this film, prepared under his direction, covers the social life of the Terai-Madhesh and the struggles of the characters there. It has also been promoted that the story of the film is based on true events.

On Baisakh 25, two films 'Malati Mangle' and 'Guru Aama' will clash with each other. Produced by Ramkrishna Dhakal, 'Malati Mangle' tells the story of suspicion, faith, and love in rural society. Although 'Malati Mangle' is not a musical drama by National Poet Madhav Prasad Ghimire, it is presented as an original musical love story.

'Guru Aama' focuses on the education sector, the teacher-student relationship, and politics and love within the school. Looking at the themes of these films, it can be estimated that Nepali cinema is returning to its old roots. The film was directed by Prem Soni Sunar. Director Sunar said that the film will bring improvements in the relationship between students and teachers.

• What is the status of the stars?

The films releasing in Baisakh are filled with performances ranging from legendary faces and current successful stars to new artists. The film 'Pahad' features performances by Madan Krishna Shrestha, Sunil Thapa, Shiva Shrestha, Bipin Karki, Rabindra Singh Baniya, Priyanka Karki, Arun Chhetri, Panchami Ghimire, Renunath Yogi, Uma Giri, Asha Poudel, Ankit Khadka, Hiuwala Gautam, Arun Regmi, and Rehana KC.

Madan Krishna Shrestha, Shiva Shrestha, and Sunil Thapa are legendary figures who led the art sector at one time. Bipin Karki, Rabindra Singh Baniya, Priyanka Karki, and Arun Chhetri are considered current stars, while Panchami Ghimire has debuted in acting with this film.

'Paral Ko Aago', produced under the banner of Hariom Cine Makers Pvt Ltd, features Prakash Saput, Suhana Thapa, Saugat Malla, and others. All of these are counted among the star artists of recent times. The film also features performances by Srijana Adhikari, Kishor Bhandari, Jack Shrestha, Sarita Bhandari, Renu Neupane, and child artist Manjila Baniya. Prakash Saput has a good craze in both singing and acting recently.

It is expected that Swastima Khadka will add a new dimension to her career through the film 'Lalibazar', produced by Shatkon Arts. In addition to Swastima, the film also features popular artists like Rabindra Singh Baniya, Samaira Thapa, Mukunda Kumar Shrestha, Abhay Baral, Asha Poudel, and Govinda Sunar. Director Pradeep Bhattarai, who has given excellent films like 'Jatra', 'Jatrai Jatra', and 'Mahajatra', is the executive producer of the film.

'Malati Mangle' is a film starring recent stars Bijay Baral and Barsha Raut. Bijay Baral rose to fame from 'Purna Bahadur Ko Sarangi', the highest-grossing film in the history of Nepali cinema. Barsha has also given many successful films. In addition to the popular comedian Maxam Gaudel, the film also features evergreen artists like Prakash Ghimire, Sarita Giri, and Sushma Niroula.

'Guru Aama', which is set to clash with 'Malati Mangle', features powerful actresses like Mithila Sharma and Gauri Malla in lead roles. Some time ago at an event, Mithila Sharma had stated that the 'subject matter' of this film is its star. In addition to Mithila and Gauri, busy artists of recent times like Pooja Sharma, Buddhi Tamang, Sushil Pokharel, Dhruva Koirala, and Uttam K.C. can be seen in the film.