KATHMANDU: The ongoing election atmosphere has significantly affected Nepal’s film industry, with cinema halls witnessing minimal footfall as audiences remain focused on political activities.
With public attention diverted towards the elections, film-related activities have nearly come to a standstill. Several films scheduled for release on February 13 were postponed due to the election environment. However, three films, Shree Bukuro, Shivansh, and Bigul, were released on the announced date.
After failing to attract audiences, all three films were withdrawn from theatres from February 18, just five days after their release.
Since then, only one film, Pravasi Jeevan, has been running in theatres.
Election impact on ‘Pravasi Jeevan’
From mid-February, audiences had already shifted their attention towards election-related engagements. With voting approaching, many people had returned to their respective constituencies.
Released six days before the election, Pravasi Jeevan struggled to bring viewers to theatres. Even its premiere saw a poor turnout. Despite being a film starring veteran actor Rajesh Hamal, cinema halls remained largely empty.
Industry observers note that even film personalities appeared more engaged in political activities than in supporting film events. Several artists were publicly seen campaigning for candidates or contesting in the election themselves.
Following weak occupancy, theatres have already reduced the number of shows for Pravasi Jeevan. The screenings have now reportedly been limited to a handful, and the film appears unlikely to sustain a full week in theatres.
The question of time and stardom
When discussing stardom in Nepali cinema, Rajesh Hamal has long been considered one of the most prominent figures. He enjoys a wide fan base across generations, and his acting, intellect, and personality have consistently drawn admiration.
During the peak of his career, industry insiders often remarked that a film would succeed simply by featuring Hamal’s face on the poster. Producers who closely worked with him in his early days have acknowledged this phenomenon. His colleagues have also spoken publicly about the pressure producers felt to include his image prominently in promotional materials.
Such was his stardom that he frequently appeared in guest roles in multiple projects.
However, the dynamics of Nepali cinema began shifting around 2010, with changes in storytelling styles and production trends. Over time, Hamal’s dominance gradually declined.
He took a break from films in 2016 and remained away from the big screen for eight years. He returned last year in a lead role through Narasimha: Avatar, which failed to perform at the box office.
His latest release, Pravasi Jeevan, now appears to be facing a similar fate.
The situation reinforces a long-standing saying in the film industry — stardom, too, has its lifespan. Despite this, filmmakers continue to express interest in casting Hamal. The actor has repeatedly stated in public forums that he chooses films carefully and only works on projects with strong scripts.
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