Nepali Films Underperform During Dasain Box Office

Kathmandu. The Dasain period is always considered a golden period for the Nepali film industry. However, the tradition of audiences flocking to theaters during the long holiday and festive atmosphere, leading to good film business, seemed somewhat subdued this time. This is because the box office figures of three highly anticipated big films released during the Dasain occasion – 'Aabata Aama 2', 'Chha Maya Chhapakkai 2', and '12 Gaun 2' – have highlighted the slowdown in film business.

While films released during Dasain used to do business in crores and set records a few years ago, this year's results were not as expected for producers and distributors. Despite expectations that these three films, released as sequels to superhit movies, would heat up the market, their box office performance did not rise above average. The box office report indicates that the days when sequels alone would draw huge crowds are over, as these three films were released targeting the Dasain holiday.

According to the data released by the Film Development Board, based on business until 11:59 PM on Sunday (15th), 'Aabata Aama 2' has taken the lead in this race. This film, produced and directed by Chandra Pant, has grossed Rs 6 crore 24 lakh 70 thousand 130. The film, watched by 2 lakh 13 thousand 194 viewers, features a large cast including Paul Shah, Bipana Thapa, Aakash Shrestha, and Indian villain Pradeep Rawat.

Similarly, 'Chha Maya Chhapakkai 2', which is in second place, has grossed Rs 3 crore 34 lakh 84 thousand 435. Released on Phoolpati, one day later than 'Aabata Aama 2' and '12 Gaun 2', this film was watched by 1 lakh 3 thousand 979 viewers. Directed by Dipendra Lama, the film stars Deepakraj Giri and Keki Adhikari in lead roles. Among the films made with the participation of Deepak-Dipa, this film had the weakest business. It was estimated that the film would earn at least 10 crores before its release.

Likewise, the weakest performance in this year's Dasain releases was seen by the Viraj Bhatt-directed '12 Gaun 2'. This film managed to gross only Rs 2 crore 29 lakh 57 thousand 986 and was watched by only 84 thousand 803 viewers. The first part of the film had a domestic business of 19 crore 91 lakh according to box office records. This film was also estimated to do business in a similar range.

Business Decreased During Dasain

The decline in the Dasain box office for the Nepali film sector actually began last year. The encouraging business that films released during Dasain used to do in previous years has now become like a dream.

Looking at the statistics, films released during Dasain last year – 'Balidan', 'Haribahadur Ko Jutta', and 'Maitighar' – collectively did business of over 14 crores. Whereas, in the Dasain of 2081 BS, 'Chhakka Panja 5' and '12 Gaun' alone set box office records by doing business of over 35 crores. The business of 'Jwai Saap', released in the same year, was not satisfactory compared to the other two films, and its data was not even publicly released. However, it is said that the film did business of over 3 crores.

Why Did the Films Not Perform Well?

Stakeholders say that there are many reasons responsible for the decline in film business this Dasain. First is the quality of the films. There are complaints that 'Chha Maya Chhapakkai 2' and '12 Gaun 2', released as sequels, could not meet audience expectations. On the other hand, the release of many films at the same time may have divided the audience's choices.

Furthermore, the devastating floods and landslides that occurred on Bhadra 12 have also been considered a major reason for the deep impact on the country's life and economy. Some attribute the decrease in audience numbers at theaters to people's weakened financial condition and the general public's greater concern for livelihood than entertainment, while others argue that the increasing influence of digital entertainment means and the lack of Hindi films with 'star power' to draw audiences to theaters have reduced footfall.

According to distributor Karan Shrestha, the impact of the floods and landslides is directly visible in this year's business.

'The natural disaster in Bhadra caused deep wounds to the country's economy and the mentality of the general public,' says Shrestha. 'The films themselves were not bad, but due to the post-flood situation, the audience did not seem to be in the mood to come to the theaters.' He believes this problem is not just with films but with the country's overall economy.

Similarly, Gopal Kaji Kayastha, senior vice-president of the Film Exhibitors Association and Film Association, interprets this as a result of the trend of relying solely on 'stardom'.

'The level of expectation the audience had from the films was not met. The main reason for the failure of the '12 Gaun' and 'Chha Maya Chhapakkai 2' teams to engage the audience and the decline in film business is the actors. The 'Chha Maya Chhapakkai 2' team is a group. The actors seen previously are not present now,' Kayastha said. 'In '12 Gaun 2', actor Samir Bhatta was overshadowed by others.'

This specific news has been automatically translated by AI. As a result, there may be some inaccuracies or language errors.