Multiple Release and Cinema Halls out of Valley

When more than one film releases on a single day, it’s more likely that theaters out of valley (mofasal, as it is called) preferably screens typical mainstream formula movie. Chances are higher when there is Rekha Thapa, Aaryan Sigdel, Rajesh Hamal or Jeewan Luitel involved. That is why I could not watch Sadanga because the cinema hall screened Bhoolbhoolaiya, and recently Nai Nabhannu La 3, because Hawaldaar Suntali was being shown. It was my luck that Mala got a solo release.

I currently reside in Bhalubang, Dang due to my job, and here is one hall "Bhole Chalchitra Mandir", a medium sized old-aged single theater, which looks completely out of date. Screen lacks brightness and contrast, and there are hardly any absorbers, due to which sound is too noisy and unpleasant to ears. No digitalization! Ticket rate for balcony is only NRs. 70. What could it offer on that price, and what profit does it make as the regular number of audience is below 20 most of the times? Seats are covered with jute bags! Have a look at these inside photos. It smells very bad condition of hall and of movies.

(Photos were taken by me, to share about the condition of cinema halls outside valley)

Multiplexes with more than two screens are mostly in Kathmandu only. Only some other big cities like Narayanghat, Butwal, Hetauda, Pokhara. etc  have them outside valley. Majority of cinema halls in other districts are single theaters, which actually happen to be important market of Nepali movies. Such theaters are mostly old, and not digitalized. the point is it cannot justify the technical progress that Nepali film industry has achieved.

Coming to multiple release issue, often in news, it can be heard that formula movies get more number of screens than out-of-mainstream movies. By formula, I mean movies of Lajja, Himmatwali, Bhoolbhoolaiya, Hawaldaar Suntali, etc. kinds. (Rekha Thapa undoubtedly is the queen of such conventional cinemas. She knows how to make money. Next is Chhabiraaj Production.)

It is not so good for movies to get released in same day as it hampers the business, and thus the whole industry that actually is in necessity of uplifting and upgrading. However, in good angle, only good movies can come forward through the competition, which can be fruitful in terms of quality concern. There are some examples too such as both Kabaddi and November Rain were hits despite releasing on same date (Baisakh 11, 2071). Ditto is for Hawaldaar Suntali and Nai Nabhannu la 3. Now, again on Baisakh 11, 2072, two movies are releasing. One is most awaited and much hyped dark comedy Resham Filili, all credits to superhit awesome song Jaalma. Other is re-release: Jhola, absolutely brilliant movie based on Sati Pratha, superhit already on first release back on Magh, 2071. I wish both of them super success.

Case is even more complex when more than two, sometimes up to four or five, movies are released in a single Friday. Film producers, distributors, development boards must have a think about the issue, and the efficient measure shall be adopted. I’ve heard of box-office establishment for quite a long time now, but where is it? No transparency!

Supporting Nepali Cinema always.