Nepal's Film Censor Data Reveals Preference for Family-Oriented Content

Kathmandu. It has been observed that most films screened in Nepal are social and family-oriented. This is reflected in the data of films censored for screening in Nepal over the past year.

In Nepal, there is a mandatory rule to pass censorship at the Central Film Certification Board before public screening. According to the board's data, a total of 204 domestic and foreign films received screening permits from Baisakh to Chaitra of the year 2082. Among these, 90 were Nepali, 60 Hindi, 36 English, and 18 in other languages (Gurung, Saibu, Limbu, Nepal Bhasa, Japanese, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tamang, Korean, and Bengali).

The number of films receiving the 'U' (Universal) certificate, suitable for all age groups, was the highest. This year, a total of 89 films received the 'U' certificate. Similarly, there were 81 films that received the 'PG' (Parental Guidance) certificate, meaning they can only be watched with or under the supervision of parents.

Compared to 'U' and 'PG' films, the number of 'A' (Adult) certificate films, intended only for adults, was minimal. This year, 34 films received the 'A' certificate. These films are restricted to viewers aged 18 and above.

• Nepali films dominate Universal 'U' category

'Films suitable for the whole family to watch together are rarely released in Nepal' is a common complaint heard from Nepali audiences for a long time. However, this complaint does not align with the data. The statistics show that most films released in Nepal are family-friendly and suitable for everyone.

According to the data, out of 204 films censored in 2082, 89 received the 'U' certificate. This includes 73 Nepali language films such as Pahad, Hami Teen Bhai, Kosedhunga, Mayako Gau, A bata Aama, Viral Gorkhe, Mirmire, Gobar Ganesh, Chameliko Poi, and Jharipachiko Indreni.

Similarly, there are 4 Hindi language films including Sholay The Final Cut, Pyar Ke Liye, Tanvi: The Great, and Andaz Apna Apna, along with 12 films in other languages such as Ngolsyo Rani, Mimlen Phung, Indra Dhime Maicha, No Dorai, Yang Tamang, and Kalkatiya Wali.

• How many 'PG' films?

Among films screened in Nepal, 'PG' certificate films, which can only be watched by viewers under 16 with parental supervision, are most common in Hindi and least common in Nepali. Out of 204 films censored by the Central Film Censor Board in 2082, 81 were 'PG'. This includes 40 Hindi films such as Dakait: Ek Prem Kahani, Tu Ya Mai, Border 2, The Raja Saab, Akhand 2 Tandavam, Tere Ishq Mein, Thamma, Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1, Param Sundari, and Sitare Zameen Par.

Similarly, there are 20 English language films including The Super Mario, Project Hail Mary, Anaconda, The SpongeBob Movie, Avatar: Fire and Ash, Wicked for Good, and Superman. There are 19 Nepali language films including Ram Naam Satya, Ramitako Pirati, Kumari, The Blue Light, Abhimanyu Chapter 1, Pravasi Jeevan, Balidan, Gunyucholo, Lalima, Narsimha Avatar, and Jaar. Other languages include the Maithili film 'Traas Ek Khauf' and the Japanese film 'Naruto The Movie'.

• Most adult films are in English

It has been found that the majority of 'A' (Adult) films screened in Nepal are in English. The 2082 Censor Board data shows that 34 adult films were censored in Nepal. This includes 17 English language films such as Lee Cronin: The Mummy, They Will Kill You, Scream, Crime, The Strangers: Chapter 3, The Housemaid, and Ballerina.

Similarly, there are 13 Hindi films including Dhurandhar 2, O Romeo, Million Views, Baghi 4, Malik, and Keser Chapter 2. The data shows only one Nepali film, 'Aghor Baba', in this category. Other languages include 2 Japanese films, 'Chainsaw Man' and 'Demon Slayer', and one Korean film, 'Noise'.