KATHMANDU: As the curtain falls on 2079 BS, it’s time to look back at the Nepali film industry.
Battered by the COVID pandemic for nearly three years, the Nepali film industry staged a significant comeback during the year with some big ticket releases doing really well at the box office. From critically acclaimed films to box office successes, the industry has seen a diverse range of films that have captivated audiences and left a lasting impression. ‘Aina Jhyalko Putali’ and ‘Prakash’ and ‘Chiso Manchhe’ were some of the critically acclaimed films of 2079 BS.
According to the Nepal Film Development Board, 52 Nepali films were screened in Nepal this year. Some made earnings even beyond the expectations of the makers, while some failed miserably. ‘Shivani’, for example, collected just Rs 520 at the box office, according to the board.
Here we present the list of Top 5 earners of 2079 BS.
Kabaddi 4: The Final Match – Rs 213.81
The fourth installment of the popular Kabaddi franchise was the year’s top-grosser. The romantic comedy shot in beautiful locations of Mustang raked in Rs 213.81 million (gross). Directed by Ram Babu Gurung, the film stars Dayahang Rai, Saugat Mall, Miruna Magar, Buddhi Tamang and Bijay Baral, among others. Although the film was said to be the last installment of the franchise, the makers, inspired by its success, are said to be mulling over making another installment as well.
Chakka Panja 4 – Rs 169.4 million
The ‘Chakka Panja’ franchise began with ‘Chha Ekan Chha’ featuring an ensemble cast of television comedians in the initiation of Deepak Raj Giri in 2014. The team made Oda Number 6 (Ward No. 6) a year later, before starting the first film of the Chakka Panja franchise in 2016. All four installments of the series have proved successful at the box office. Chakka Panja 4 has collected Rs 169.4 million in Nepal. The film is still running in some theaters. Directed by Hemraj BC, the film stars Deepak Raj Giri, Neer Shah, Nirmal Sharma, Buddhi Tamang and Raj Acharya, among others.
Prem Geet 3 – Rs 99.7 million
Prem Geet 3, the third installment of the Prem Geet, franchise was released with much fanfare. It is also the first film to officially release in India. Directed by Santosh Sen and Cheten Gurung, the film stars Pradeep Khadka, Christina Gurung, Manish Raut, Sunil Thapa and Shiv Shrestha. The film grossed Rs 77 million in the Nepali market. The Hindi version of the film collected Rs 22.7 million in Nepal.
Mahapurush – Rs 73.89 million
Mahapurusha was the year’s fourth-highest grosser. According to the board, the film raised Rs 73.89 million in the Nepali market. Written and directed by Pradeep Bhattarai, the film stars Madan Krishna Shrestha, Haribansha Acharya, Gauri Malla and Rajaram Poudel, among others.
Dui Nambari – Rs 38.47 million
The Dipendra Lama directorial was the year’s fifth-highest earner. According to the board, the film collected Rs 38.47 million in the Nepali market. Based on the story of friendship, the film stars Dayahang Rai, Saugat Malla, Upasana Singh Thakuri, Buddhi Tamang and Pushkar Gurung, among others.
