Audiences flock to Nepali films, sending box office soaring

KATHMANDU: Nepali films drew strong audience support during this year’s Tihar festival, signaling a growing preference for local cinema over foreign releases.

In contrast to a few years ago, when international films dominated holiday screenings, Nepali productions are now emerging as audience favorites.

Films that blend Nepalese culture, art, and social narratives have performed well commercially, according to the ‘Box Office 2 Cinepa’ data released by the Film Development Board.

As of Saturday, Kartik 22, the Everest-themed movie “Jerry on Top” topped the charts, earning Rs 11.71 crore in gross revenue from 3,75,081 viewers. While Everest has inspired numerous international films, Nepali productions on the subject remain rare.

The film explores a love story set against the backdrop of Everest climbing and showcases Nepal’s scenic beauty, which producer Saroj Neupane hopes will also boost tourism.

“Our goal was to bring Everest’s story and beauty to the screen. The audience’s support proves that when filmmakers create quality films on unique topics, viewers respond positively. Promoting Nepal’s beauty through cinema is also our responsibility,” Nyaupane said. The film stars Anmol KC, Bhuwan KC, Aanchal Sharma, Jasita Gurung, and Usha Khadgi, and is directed by Suyog Gurung.

Other releases also drew audiences, though with varied commercial success. “Baristha Balram,” released on Kartik 6 for Bhai Tika, earned Rs 2.56 crore from 85,356 viewers, featuring Dayahang Rai, Bijay Baral, and Sambriddhi Aryal under Surendra Poudel’s direction.

Conversely, “Soltini”, starring Prakash Saput and Parikshya Limbu and directed by Arjun Subedi, underperformed with only Rs 29.05 lakh from 8,945 viewers. Suvedi’s previous film, Rangeli, also failed commercially.

Wilson Bikram Rai’s directorial debut “Maijharo”, starring Dhiraj Magar, Miruna Magar, and Dayahang Rai, likewise struggled, earning Rs 1.04 crore from 35,176 viewers.

In contrast, “Paran,” released on Kartik 14 and directed by Deepak Prasad Acharya, received a warm audience response, earning Rs 3.71 crore from 1,28,679 viewers. The film, featuring Neer Shah, Madan Krishna Shrestha, Keki Adhikari, Mahesh Tripathi, and Anjana Baraili, tells a father-son story that resonated strongly with viewers.

Two films released on Kartik 21, “Jari 2: Song of Chyabrung” and “Man Bina Ko Dhan,” also received initial audience support, though their box office data is yet to be published.

Overall, the festival period shows a clear shift in audience preference toward Nepali cinema. Distributors note that domestic films are now outperforming foreign releases during holidays, sending a positive signal to the industry.

“Box office reports clearly show strong attendance for Nepali films during this festival. Audiences now actively choose local films, suggesting that Nepali cinema can lead commercially during holidays,” distributor Karan Shrestha said.

He urged filmmakers to continue producing quality content to maintain audience trust.

Following last year’s historical hit “Purnbahadur ko Sarangi”, the trend of higher domestic film viewership during Dashain, Tihar, Shivaratri, and New Year holidays is becoming increasingly apparent.