KATHMANDU: The Nepali film industry experienced a remarkable year in BS 2081, with a record number of films and significant audience growth.
According to the Central Management Ticket System (Box Office) under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the year saw a total business of Rs 468 million from the film Purna Bahadur’s Sarangi, making it one of the most memorable years in Nepali cinema history.
A total of 62 Nepali films were screened throughout the year, including Pitamber and Karma, which were released on April 11.
In comparison, 84 foreign films were also shown during the year. This surge in domestic film screenings is attributed to an increased audience turnout, especially during major festivals like Dashain and Tihar, when family-oriented films attracted cinema-goers in large numbers.
Narendra Maharjan, Chair of the Nepal Film Association, stated that the success of family films in particular played a crucial role in drawing audiences into theaters.
“The success seen during the festivals indicates a shift in audience preferences, and this trend is expected to continue, potentially boosting film production in the coming year,” he said.
The year-end screenings, particularly those during the last quarter, also marked a positive start for the industry as cinema operators worked tirelessly, with some exceeding 18-hour days to meet the demand.
Director Purnendu Jha expressed optimism for the coming year, stating that the success of BS 2081 will encourage both new and established filmmakers to continue producing films.
“Next year, we anticipate a new wave of films that will attract even more audiences,” he said. He emphasized the importance of capitalizing on the momentum generated this year to expand the market and surpass this year’s commercial success.
Filmmakers estimate that around 80 Nepali films will be screened in BS 2082. According to Box Office data, the 59 Nepali films screened in BS 2081 earned a combined total of Rs 1.8 billion. The remaining films, including Basant, Pitamber, and Karma, are expected to generate an additional Rs 50 million, bringing the total market size for Nepali films in 2081 to an estimated Rs 1.85 billion.
This prosperous year for Nepali cinema marks a promising future for the industry, with filmmakers aiming to build on this success in the year to come.
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