Foreign Films Dominate Nepali Box Office in Fiscal Year 2082

Kathmandu. Foreign films have shown a stronger appeal in Nepali theaters compared to domestic productions. According to data released by the Film Development Board for the fiscal year 2082 (from Baisakh to Chaitra), Nepali audiences watched nearly 100 foreign films in a single year.

According to the Board's data, a total of 151 films were screened in Nepal this year. Of these, 94 were foreign films, while the number of domestic films was only 57. These 94 foreign films grossed over 1.11 billion 52 million rupees in one year.

Throughout the year, more than 3.328 million viewers watched foreign films. Primarily, foreign films in three languages were screened in Nepal: 54 Hindi, 37 English, and 3 Japanese.

Hindi Films Lead Among Foreign Releases
As always, Hindi films dominated the Nepali box office among foreign releases this year. According to the Board's data, 54 Hindi films were released throughout the year, including 'Oye Bhutni Ke', 'Red 2', 'Bhool Chuk Maaf', 'Housefull 5', 'Saiyara', 'Son of Sardaar 2', 'Dhadak 2', 'Coolie', 'Param Sundari', 'Baaghi 4', 'Mirai', 'Kantara', 'Thamma', 'Baahubali: The Epic', 'Border 2', 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge', and 'Dakait'. Hindi films are categorized into Bollywood and South Indian.

Hindi films are not only ahead in terms of releases but also in business. The 54 Hindi films screened throughout the year grossed over 886.737 million rupees at the box office, with more than 2.749 million viewers watching them.

The highest-grossing Hindi film this year was 'Kantara: A Legend: Chapter 1'. It earned 123.532 million rupees and sold over 383,000 tickets. 'Dhurandhar 2' stood in second place, with a reported business of over 122.5 million rupees.

Not all Hindi films were successful this year. Many had low business, with 'Agnipariksha' being the lowest-grossing film, earning only 3,500 rupees.

Another low-earning film was 'Nari Shakti', which ranked second on the list of lowest-grossing films with earnings of only 4,150 rupees.

How Did English Films Perform?

Among English films, 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' was the most successful. It earned 66.843 million rupees and attracted over 162,000 viewers.

After Hindi films, the market for English films also appeared strong at the Nepali box office. This year, 37 English films were released in Nepal, including 'Thunderbolts', 'Mission: Impossible', 'How to Train Your Dragon', 'Ballerina', 'Jurassic World', 'Superman', 'The Running Man', 'Anaconda', and 'The Housemaid'. These films grossed over 206.474 million rupees at the box office.

Among English films, 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' was the most successful. It earned 66.843 million rupees and attracted over 162,000 viewers. There were also several unsuccessful films released this year, with 'Noise' being the lowest-grossing, earning only 111,000 rupees. The number of viewers for English films this year was 514,868.

Rise of Japanese 'Anime' Films

Among the Japanese films released, 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle' performed the best, with over 21.008 million rupees in business. 58,540 tickets were sold for the film.

Besides Hindi and English, Japanese, Korean, and Bengali foreign films are also released in Nepal. This year, 3 Japanese anime films were released at the Nepali box office: 'Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow', 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle', and 'Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc'.

These three films sold 63,755 tickets, generating a total business of over 22.054 million rupees. No Korean or Bengali films were screened in Nepal this year.

Among the Japanese films released, 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle' performed the best, with over 21.008 million rupees in business. 58,540 tickets were sold for the film.