Kollywood in Do or Die Situation

'Love Nepalese film industry', is the probable quote of any film personality living in Nepal. I agree that being Nepalese we must have certain respect to our film industry as well, but what is there to grant them the so called 'respect'? The quote itself is clear style of begging, and seems that are begging for the return of their invested money. Whenever it comes to Nepali Film Industry, it is judged or compared with Bollywood industry that never allows Nepali film industry to upraise their standard. This is a bitter truth that maximum Nepalese watch Indian movies than Nepalese.

Although there is simply twenty years of historical difference between Nepali Film Industry and Indian Film industry, the steps Bollywood took is the thing to be admired. 1951 was the year when Nepali got to see 'Aama' which was released by the then Information Department of His Majesty Government. It was just twenty years early, in 1932, first Indian talking movie was brought. Despite the fact there were competitive movies in those days, the industry has been declining in rapid way. The reasons can be various for this. There exists limitation from Governmental, Kollywood industry as well as viewers as well. First of all, we lack qualified peoples at this sector. More than half of them are really illiterate. Number of qualified holding degrees can be counted within the fingers. It is still a query that why educated people don’t enter this field. Secondly, there exists biasness. So, if dad is a hero, his son has to be hero, no matter he possesses qualities or not. Thirdly, the story is focused simply for those village sectors, so the story can be copied from Bollywood as people from Jumla don’t watch Hindi and don’t bother if movie is copied version of Bollywood or not. We do lack strong story to stand on our own. How long should we watch the same pattern of love story?

Kollywood lacks investment as well, but that can never be an excuse. Any investor would only invest when he sees the light of profit thereby, and unless he sees the profit he thinks twice or even thrice before investing. Not all movies earn like Loot, spending forty lakhs and getting back the investment in crores. Business certainly does not run on emotion, it is the brain that works for money. So, any viewer certainly do not want to spend their hard earned money for the begs, unless they get full return out of it. Government cannot be claimed any free creature. It is understandable that Nepal cannot adopt policy of Bangladesh, to ban Indian movies in Nepalese theater. The difficulty faced by banning Indian movies for some time was clearly seen when the QFX were shut down, and the progress was not seen in domestic film industry as well. However there probably won't be much trouble in increasing tax rate for Indian movies. When we get to see Indian movie and Nepalese movie at the same rate, we look for quality for sure. Now if Pulsar and Cosmic Ying Yang are provided at same rate, would you choose Yingang? Again viewers equally don’t mind ignoring or hating Kollywood. We worry if Katrina Kaif broke up, but give a damn if Karishma Manadhar migrated to US. It is the film makers who must be competitive enough. Picking actress from dance bar can show her sexy figure, but that does not make a good movie. Why are digital movies as well away from our expectation? Over all, we need a good story, story that touches everyone. It is not that we lack stories. When Chetan Bhagat’s novel can bring thunder to Bollywood film industry, we do have BP Koirala’s stories; we do have Parijat’s story and hundred of such stories that needs a highlight.

It is understandable that the viewers are addicted to the same old pattern of the story, but this has to be understood that the old pattern will certainly not live long. With the rise in literacy level, the taste is certain to vary, and no longer will the viewers seek for the traditional movies. A movie must be able to make viewers think about the issue in the end, and make them satisfied finally with the acts before they leave the seat. Actor being with the actress should not always be the ending of any movie anyway!

Location has always been Kathmandu and Pokhara for lot of film industry. Despite the fact that the producers are able to keep their eye in Lumbini, Mustang or Dolakha, they must be able to catch the real life style of some particular place of Nepal. Not all Nepalese live in Kathmandu, and this fact seriously need a careful analysis.

Sensor board actually has to play the role to let the flow of information pass in positive aspect. Any information real should not be hidden or kept under the secrecy.  Although the trend after the movie Loot, the trend seems some what modified, but the traditional system is on. Things would certainly be different if the trend modifies, and Film industry can really play huge role to give employment to huge number of mass as well as play a positive role in the development of economy.

The viewers want something that touches our lifestyle. It is high time for Nepali film industry to do or die.

Published in The Rising Nepal, March 1, Friday Supplement.