Box-Office Boom Signals Revival of Nepali Film Industry

Nepali films have started performing well at the box office, signaling a revival of the domestic film industry. Following last year’s historic success of Purna Bahadur’s Sarangi, the industry has seen increasing audience engagement and stronger revenue generation.

According to the Box Office at the Film Development Board, as of December 6, Paran has earned approximately Rs 170 million. Released on November 10, the film has generated Rs 169.7 million in the domestic market. Directed by Deepak Prasad Acharya, the family and relocation-themed movie stars veteran actors Neer Shah and Madan Krishna Shrestha, along with Keki Adhikari, Mahesh Tripathi, Puja Chand, and Anjana Baraily. So far, 598,309 tickets have been sold.

Director Acharya said, “Audiences have recommended Paran themselves. Many viewers related to the father-son story, which reflects our society.”

Other recent releases have also performed well. Jerry on Top, directed by Suyog Gurung and produced by Saroj Nyaupane, has sold 391,992 tickets since its release on October 17, generating Rs 122.6 million. The film, which combines a Mount Everest climbing story with a romance, features Anmol KC, Anchal Sharma, Jassita Gurung, Bhuvan KC, Kedar Ghimire, and Usha Khadgi.

Jari 2: Song of Chyabrung, directed by poet Upendra Subba, earned Rs 62.4 million with 207,714 tickets sold since its November 7 release. Starring Dayahang Rai, Miruna Magar, Richa Sharma, Prem Subba, and Puskar Gurung, the film weaves the Limbu community’s Jari tradition into the story of Chyabrung.

The biographical film Manbina Ko Dhan, based on child singer Ashok Darji, earned Rs 37.9 million with 145,059 tickets sold since its November 7 release. Directed by Tanka Budhathoki, the film stars Darji alongside Nita Dhungana, Saroj Khanal, and AR Budhathoki.

Finally, Harsh, released recently on November 28, has so far earned Rs 2.8 millionfrom 8,436 tickets sold. Directed by Ekta Paudel, the film features Khagendra Lamichhane, Barsha Raut, Simon Wadi, Neer Shah, Santosh Pant, Sharmila Malla, Maotse Gurung, and Bishal Pahadi.

Industry experts say the recent trend shows Nepali films are no longer struggling to recover investments, and the domestic audience is actively supporting local productions. -- RSS