Can ‘Laaj Sharanam’ revive Nepal’s sluggish box office?

KATHMANDU: Nepali cinema has been struggling at the box office lately.

Despite a high number of releases, films have failed to perform commercially.

Even star-studded projects featuring actors like Pradeep Khadka, Priyanka Karki, Richa Sharma, Dayahang Rai, and Saugat Malla have not been able to attract audiences to theaters.

The box office slowdown began around mid-2023 and worsened during the winter months of Mangsir, Poush, and Magh.

The once-thriving Nepali film industry is in dire need of a blockbuster to reignite audience enthusiasm.

Amid this downturn, all eyes are now on ‘Laaj Sharanam’, a film that has generated significant buzz even before its release. The film’s teaser, songs, and marketing campaigns have drawn strong audience interest, raising hopes that it could revitalize the market.

Adding to the excitement, Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah has lent his voice to a song from the film, amplifying its reach among the masses.

With high production value and an aggressive promotional strategy, the makers of ‘Laaj Sharanam’ are confident that their film will turn the tide for Nepali cinema.

The movie features a stellar cast, including Sitaram Kattel ‘Dhurmus’, Vijay Baral, Arjun Ghimire ‘Pande,’ Harish Niraula ‘Bale,’ Sagar Lamsal ‘Bale,’ Priyana Acharya, Mahesh Tripathi, Arpan Thapa, Renu Yogi, Vijay Lama, Mukunda Shrestha, and Mala Limbu.

Notably, ‘Laaj Sharanam’ is produced by JPT Creations, with Nabin Shrestha as the lead producer and Ram Naresh Shah and Srijana Khadka as co-producers.

The film is directed by Kumar Kattel, and its core team comes from the popular comedy series ‘Sakkigoni’, further boosting audience anticipation.

Slated for release on Fagun 14 (Feb 26), coinciding with Maha Shivaratri, ‘Laaj Sharanam’ is considered one of the most awaited Nepali films of the year.

With its compelling storyline, renowned cast, and strong promotional drive, the film might just be the game-changer the Nepali box office needs.

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