Nepal cinemas reopen after Gen Z protest shutdown

KATHMANDU: After being closed since Tuesday, Bhadra 24, due to the escalating Jen-Zi protests, cinemas across Nepal have reopened.

The decision came following a meeting of the Nepal Film Producers and Distributors Association on Sunday, which approved reopening halls with necessary safety precautions.

Cinemas resumed screenings on Monday.

With the reopening, films including “Reemai,” “Koshe Dhunga,” “Magne Raja,” “Janai Harayeako Manchhe,” “Mohar,” “Gunyo Cholo,” “Baaghi 4,” “Param Sundari,” and “The Conjuring: Last Rites” have continued their shows. Among these, “Reemai” suffered the most disruption, as it had been released just three days prior to the shutdown.

Out of 165 cinemas nationwide, all except QFX Hall in Biratnagar have reopened. The QFX Hall, located at Bhatbhateni, Biratnagar, was completely destroyed by fire during the protests; the hall had been constructed at a cost of Rs 150 million.

Alongside it, four other cinemas sustained damages, bringing the total losses to approximately Rs 170 million.

No new films are being released immediately after reopening; the next releases are scheduled for Phulpati (Ashoj 13).

The films set to hit the screens then include “Balidan,” “Haribahadur Ko Jutta,” “Maitighar,” and “Abhimanyu.”

Additionally, the Indian blockbuster “Kantara 2” is scheduled for release on Vijayadashami.