Kathmandu, April 10: The year 2081 was a happy one for the Nepali film industry as a whole. The film ‘Purna Bahadur’s Sarangi’, which was released this year, has succeeded in creating history in the domestic market. According to the ‘Central Management Ticket System’ (Box Office) under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, this film has generated a gross turnover of Rs 468 million. This seems to have set a ‘record’ not only in 2081 BS but also in the history of Nepali film. That is why film professionals say that the year 2081 was memorable and happy in the Nepali film industry.
In addition, this year, four films have achieved success in the Nepali ‘cinema’ industry by grossing more than Rs 100 million. According to the Film Development Board, 60 films have been released this year and two films ‘Pitamber’ and ‘Karma’ are being released from Chaitra 29. Thus, the board has stated that while 62 domestic films will be released, around 85 foreign films will be released. The board says that the aforementioned figures may fluctuate as the release of foreign films is finalized at the last minute.
Apart from ‘Purna Bahadur Ko Sarangi’, ’12 Gaon’, ‘Chhakkapanja 5’ and ‘Boksi Ko Ghar’ are among the four films that have grossed more than Rs 100 million in the domestic market this year, according to ‘Box Office’ data.
‘Boksi Ko Ghar’, which was released on April 14, earlier this year, managed to do good business. The success of the song ‘Bujhin Malle, Buzhai Deu Kashte’ included in the film had an impact on the film. The film, starring actress Keki Adhikari and directed by Sulakshan Bharti, was viewed as normal before its release. However, it did an incredible business.
Boksiko Ghar film
According to the ‘Box Office’ data, this film has done a business of Rs 100.2 million in the domestic market. The success of this film goes to the music and theme. Therefore, this year can be seen as a year of ‘content’ rather than the ‘stardom’ of the artist. After this, ’12 Villages’ and ‘Chhakka Panja-5’, which were released during Dashain, received good support from the audience.
According to the ‘Box Office’ data, ’12 Villages’ has done business of Rs 199.2 million and ‘Chhakkapanja – 5’ has done business of Rs 152 million. Even though the business of other films has increased, the business of ‘Chhakkapanja’, which is being released as a series, has decreased compared to the previous ones. Distributor and director Prachandaman Shrestha believes that this will hinder the growth of the market size. He said that different films are needed to continuously attract new audiences to the cinema hall.
Director Shrestha said, “After the release of Loot, a new audience for Nepali films increased and the style of filmmaking also changed. A similar film is needed now, which reaches new heights and succeeds in changing the style and attracting a new generation of viewers. Until this happens, I do not agree with the size of the market increasing, because we should review the entire year rather than the success of one or two films.”
‘Purna Bahadur’s Sarangi’, which was released after Dashain this year, has made the film industry dynamic. Director Purnendu Jha believes that the success of this film has made new producers active in the film industry along with old producers. He said that if the story is strong and the actors are able to act, the audience will like it and the film industry will believe in it.
“The problem for producers is the rising cost of film production. I have heard that producers are not able to afford it because the amount paid to the artists is high and other technical expenses are high. However, the love shown by the audience for Purna Bahadur’s sarangi has given other producers the courage to move forward. That is why many films will be released next year,” he said.
Looking at the business of the film in the domestic market till date, this ‘Anjila’ is in fifth place. It has done business of 75 million rupees in the domestic market. The film producer receives the amount through the distributor after deducting the fee determined in the mentioned business. The film ‘Anjila’, which was released on Falgun 29 targeting the ‘Holi’ festival, is based on the life of Nepali national women’s football team captain and goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba. Its director Milan Chams said that it is a pleasant aspect to enjoy the story of the player on the screen.
He said, “It was found that the commercial side had stopped making films about athletes in Nepal. Producers are not investing due to lack of business, but Anjila’s business has given filmmakers the opportunity to bring the stories of other athletes to the screen. I am confident that in the coming years, the stories of other athletes will also be seen on screen.”
Among other films released this year, ‘Pujaar Sarki’ grossed Rs 73.7 million, ‘Gharjawai’ Rs 59 million, ‘Pharki Pharki’ Rs 48.4 million, ‘Manasara’ Rs 47.8 million, and ‘Laaz Sharanam’ Rs 43.4 million, according to the ‘Box Office’.
