SATV, Kathmandu, Sept. 9: August 26 became a dark day for Nepalis as floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers claimed many lives and left people devastated.
The disaster also affected industries and factories in the region. The film industry was also badly affected. While some films postponed their release dates because of the disaster, others continued with their planned promotion and release schedules.
Producers who had already spent large amounts of money on promotion are facing losses after having to postpone their films just before their scheduled release dates.
The film ‘Maya Bhanekai Yasto Hola’, directed by actress and filmmaker Rekha Thapa, was scheduled to be released on September 11. However, because of the disaster, its release has been postponed to November 6.
Similarly, ‘Kakakiki’, which was due to be released on September 4, has been postponed until November 27. ‘Baa Ek Yoddha’, also scheduled for September 4, has been moved to December 10 because of the floods.
Filmmakers said that postponing a film just before its release can waste a large amount of money spent on promotion, posters and other publicity.
Meanwhile, ‘Gaunthali’, released on July17, has continued to pull audiences even after the August 26 floods. The film has earned Rs. 258.6 million so far. Another Nepali film, ‘Parbati’, released on August 28 during the floods, has also received encouraging support from audiences.
According to the box-office report published by the Film Development Board, ‘Parbati’ earned a gross of Rs. 15.88 million in its first 10 days. A total of 54,735 tickets were sold for the film by September 6.
Meanwhile, ‘Masterni’, starring actress Priyanka Karki and released on Bhadra August 21, has performed poorly at the domestic box office. It sold 12,197 tickets in 17 days and earned a gross of Rs. 4.02 million.
Critics said the film struggled commercially after its first promotional song, ‘Math Sikhne Bhaye’, became controversial.
Despite the difficult situation, cinemas are expected to be busy next week. Three Nepali films, ‘Behuli’, ‘Akshara’ and ‘Pension Patta’ are all scheduled to be released on September 11.
‘Behuli’ stars Paras Bam Thakuri, also known as Cool Boy, and Divya Rayamajhi, while Dayahang Rai and Gaumaya Gurung play the main roles in ‘Pension Patta’. ‘Akshara’ features Sushil Sitaula and Nancy Khadka in the lead roles.
