As I was passing by the Guna Cinema Hall, a friend of mine asked me the question. I tried to remember when did I watch cinema in theatre. I remembered watching an English movie, but couldn’t remember watching any Nepali or Hindi movie in theatre lately. That doesn’t mean I haven’t watches any cinema, but I certainly prefer watching them in my home on my own computer at my own pace at the time I wish taking as many (and long) break as I want. And that cost much less than what I pay at the theatre.
For a last few years, cinema business in Nepal has hit the lowest ebb. Since I once was entertainment reporter for a weekly, I have seen film directors, theatre owners and producers beaming long for the success. Not anymore.
A producer I know very well, who also owned a few theatres, is in verge of breakdown. Film stars are finding it profitable to work in tele-serials or tour abroad to entertain Nepali living there.
Theatres are doing no business at all (and some have started trying to continue showing C Grade films that which are cheap). A few theatres have been closed down – three near my village in Thimi, and those, which are running, are struggling. Once they used to houseful, I have returned from theatres many times because I couldn’t get tickets. Even blockbuster Hindi movies are giving them not much relief.
I no more report entertainment – nor I read much about it. But I still feel sorry for it.
There also have been a few ones – like Jai Nepal and Kumari, which have been changed to suit the changing times. They have been converted into luxurious ones, (ya, a bit expensive) and show top English movies and doing well.
For till the date, there is sadly no ray of hopes for Nepali movies.
