The journey of film industry in Nepal

The beginning of film medium in Nepal was done during Panchayat regime in the 1960s with the patronization from Royal family.Hira Singh Khatri came to Nepal from Bollywood in the invitation of King Mahendra and he made a documentary about 42nd birthday of King Mahendra.That was the first ever film made from Nepal.However,the first film in Nepali language was 'Satya Harishchandra' and its director was D.B.Pariyar.The first feature film from Nepal was 'Aama',which was Black and White and made in 1965 AD.It was produced by His Majesty's Government of Nepal.In order to develop the film industry,the government established the Film Corporation.Nepali films became color in Panchayat period.
In the beginning,Nepalese film industry produced quite a number of successful movies such as Basanti,Prem Pinda and Maithighar.In 2000,Caravan was nominated for Academy Award.This film was produced jointly by Nepal and France.However,with the changing course of time,Nepali film industry could not develop its standard and ,in the present senario,it is lacking its charm.
Nepali movie industry has been operating for more than 50 years but these 50 years were not very smooth.Below are some of the major problems with which Nepali film industry is facing in a current moment.

1. From the beginning,Nepalese movie industry has been facing serious competition fromIndian movie industry.In comparison with Bollywood in terms of quality,quantity,technical equipments and know-hows,Nepalese movie industry is Goliath.Every time,it is fighting against a DAVID named 'Bollywood'.The outcome is,Nepalese movie makers end up imitating Bollywood movies.
2. According to Uddhav Poudel,producers,Nepali movie market demands 150 movies per year.Five years earlier,the condition of film industry was quite well.It produced 55 movies per year.Now the number has taken a nose dive between 12 and 15.
3. There were 450 cinema halls out of which 200 are operating at present.The poor economic condition of the country is the major factor behind this.
4. At present,investment per movie is between Rs three million and ten million,which is higher compared to the past.However,the present day movie of Nepal was Darpan Chaya.Released eight years ago,this movie made a collection of 20 million rupees.Now,the successful movies can not even collect 10 million rupees.
5. Another major problem is lack of equipments and people with technical knowledge.
   

It is true that the scenario has chanded alot in the film industry of Nepal but there are many things need to be done.The major challenge in film making is that it is a creative process and takes alot of time to reach to the point of maturity.Tn order to reach that point,there is no alternative to skill,hard work and dedication.Nepal doesnot have many well trained actors and film makers.So,the first thing for survival is to build up a pool of skilled actors,directors and producers.Second,movie makers should always try to experience with new ideas and concepts.It would help them to keep the attention of the audience.From now on ,Nepalese movie makers have to try to think out of the box.