Audiences Fix The Fate Of Movies

Bangladesh has wonderful history in regard to their film industry. Started back in 1931 itself; Bangladesh film industry never took up the pace as it was supposed to. Ever since the independence from Pakistan, local cinema halls of Bangladesh stood against Bollywood.

The intention was not anything against India; but simply to promote their own Film Industry. With the immense pressure of people, the Government back then took the decision. It took them decades to come back; and only after 2010, Bollywood was entertained in Bangladeshis Cinema Hall. After all, how could anyone get out of globalization? Movies are arts, movies reflect literature; but in the mean time, movies are business too. Movie Industry of Bangladesh started from decline stage itself; and by the time it was up with banning Bollywood; the internal Bangladeshi Movie Industry was at worst phase ever. Now, after ban of Bollywood Movies in the territory; the young bunch started their own way of production which revived the industry as a whole.

Had those young bunch not been supported by Government back then; by public back then; the industry today would remain a big question. Pakistan shares similar story. Be it Bangladesh, or Pakistan – audiences would prioritize Bollywood and Hollywood; but always had respect for their own movies.

In the mean time, South Indian Movies has got its separate world. They have separate taste, where the movie does not leave any one in confusion, and entire movie time is entertaining. Basically, if someone is travelling in Night Bus; these South Indian Movies will never let you know when you actually crossed Narayanghat while travelling from Kathmandu. Fast movement and simple story plots have made this industry a next hit. Back in 2014, in the very first day of college, these professors from South India were actually eager to know what type of Movie industry we hold in Nepal. This proves; that everyone and anyone in South India have a separate craze for their movies. Every villages would have a movie theater, and every individual would be waiting for it. People around might not even know big Bollywood stars there; and Bollywood movies would not last longer than 2 days there; but South Indian movies would make a hit. Opening up offices and colleges during RajniKant's movie launch day would be a bad idea - because staffs or students; they would make every sort of excuse not to attend office, or college to watch the movie.

Be it anywhere in the world; not unless audiences prioritize their production; the industry would not make a big hit. When it comes to Nepal; while Bollywood was banned in Bangladesh; while South India was with their own growth in movie industry; cable network came up with bunch of Bollywood networks; when the only Nepali channel was Nepal Television. Nepalese audiences from every corner grew up with Bollywood Industry; and hence the comparison game began. Unlike Bangladesh, unlike South India; Nepalese audiences were never able to appreciate home productions. Thanks to the comedy team - Tito Satya, Jire Khorsani, Meri Bassai; who managed to attract Nepalese audiences ignoring Indian TV networks.

They understood the demand of the audiences and made productions exactly as per the demand; resulting in wonderful commercial success. That should be the turning point for entire Nepalese Media Industry. By this date, the mass is at least concerned and aware about Nepali Movie Industry; because in places like Biratnagar; where Nepali movie was never a priority; started prioritizing Nepali movies - proving the growing demand. Not unless audiences want change, not unless audiences expect the local and native taste; growth of media is possible. Bangladeshi audiences stood up; so did South Indian audiences. And, for Nepalese; we still have habit of criticizing without even watching it. We ignore the fact that Nepal has launched almost every genre of movies. Be that horror movies like Ek Din Ek Raat, or drama based movies like Purano Dunga or Sanghuro. Audiences don't watch it; as they are not habituated to it. It took audiences decade after Darpan Chaya to watch Loot; and next half decade to drag them to watch Chakka Panja. Else, Nepali movie would never be their concern.

However, it would be unfair simply to blame audiences; as the movie makers have failed to understand the need and thirst that Nepalese audiences have been looking for in the same time. Movie industry depends on audiences; and the fact has to be realized. It has to be understood that there are still unexplored scopes in this area; that has never been dug off.

Published in The Rising Nepal's Friday Supplement of June 8, 2018