Kathmandu, September 24
Dashain and Tihar are considered one of the most commercially important periods for the Nepali film industry, with producers often targeting the long holidays and festive atmosphere to release films.
The festive season typically sees competition among films featuring popular actors and larger production budgets, as audiences have more free time and are generally more willing to spend on entertainment.
However, the festive season alone does not guarantee box-office success. While the long holidays can help boost business, a film’s subject matter and presentation ultimately determine whether it can attract audiences.
This year, the release calendar for Nepali films targeting Dashain and Tihar has largely been finalised, with 11 films scheduled for release during Asoj and Kartik. The release schedule begins on October 9.
October 9 — ‘Tunnel 26’ and ‘Akshara’
The festive-season releases will begin on October 9, with Tunnel 26 and Akshara scheduled to hit cinemas on the same day.
A co-production of Bhutan, Nepal and India, Tunnel 26 is a zombie thriller, a genre rarely seen in Nepali cinema.
Akshara, starring Nancy Khadka, is a women-centred film.
October 16 — ‘12 Gaun 2’ and ‘Abaat Aama 2’
Two Nepali films will compete at the box office from October 16, with Biraj Bhatta’s 12 Gaun 2 and Chandra Pant’s Abaat Aama 2 scheduled for release.
12 Gaun 2 is an action film, while Abaat Aama 2 is a family drama. The two films will enter the market with different genres as they seek to attract audiences during the early Dashain holiday.
October 17 — ‘Chha Maya Chhapakkai 2’
Deepak Raj Giri and Deepa Shree Niraula’s Chha Maya Chhapakkai 2 is scheduled to release on October 17, the day of Phulpati.
With three films arriving within a span of two days, competition is expected to be particularly intense during the opening phase of the Dashain box office. Their opening-day business will be closely watched.
October 23 — ‘Kabaddi 5’
Two days after Vijayadashami, on October 23, Ram Babu Gurung’s much-awaited Kabaddi 5 will be released.
Starring Dayahang Rai, the film is currently scheduled for a solo release on the date. Its release timing allows it to target the remaining Dashain holidays as well as the Tihar period.
October 30 — ‘Pariwar’
Following Dashain, the Nepali film Pariwar is scheduled to release on October 30.
Its release will continue the run of films targeting the festive season.
November 6 — ‘Paanch Pandav’, ‘Maya Bhane Kai Yasto Hola’ and ‘Zero Degree’
Three Nepali films are scheduled to open on the same day on November 6, setting up another three-way competition at the box office.
The multistarrer Paanch Pandav will be released alongside Rekha Thapa-starrer Maya Bhane Kai Yasto Hola. Zero Degree is also scheduled to hit cinemas on the same day.
The three films will compete for audiences during the festive period.
November 12 — ‘Batulo Joon’
The Dashain-Tihar release cycle will conclude with Batulo Joon, directed by Bhuwan KC and starring Anmol KC.
The film is scheduled to release on November 12, Thursday, the final day of the Tihar holiday and the day after Bhai Tika.
With this release, 11 Nepali films are preparing to enter cinemas during the festive season. While some dates will see two or three Nepali films competing for audiences, others have given individual films the opportunity for a solo release.
The release calendar does not include foreign films. Several major international releases are also expected during the festive period, meaning Nepali films will face competition not only from one another but also from foreign productions.
