SATV, Kathmandu, Sept. 23 - Two Nepali films, ‘Behuli’ and ‘Pension Patta’, were released on September 11. Although the two films, based on different themes, had an underwhelming start at the box office, their business began to pick up as word-of-mouth publicity grew.
‘Pension Patta’ has received an encouraging response from audiences in Pokhara, Damauli, Chitwan and Butwal, as well as in eastern cities including Dharan, Itahari, Damak, Ilam and Birtamod, and in Kathmandu in recent days. As a result, the film has performed better at the box office than ‘Behuli’, which was released on the same day.
According to box office data released by the Film Development Board, ‘Pension Patta’ has earned Rs. 11.14 million more than ‘Behuli’. By the 10th day of its release, ‘Pension Patta’ had grossed Rs. 37,976,074, with 129,118 tickets sold.
‘Behuli’ has grossed Rs. 26,828,529 from the sale of 94,885 tickets. Both film teams have also been meeting audiences in person. Their visits to cinemas to interact with viewers and collect feedback have further strengthened the enthusiasm and support for the films. ‘Pension Patta’, which has received strong audience support since its opening, has seen most shows in different cities reach full capacity or come close to being full. Some cinemas have added shows in response to audience demand, while in some cases viewers have reportedly had to return without tickets.
Director Maotse Gurung of ‘Pension Patta’ said he was delighted to meet audiences at cinemas and hear their reactions.
“When making the film, we wanted to tell a story that would connect with audiences. The love and support given by audiences in different parts of the country have further encouraged us,” he said.
He said the team had planned to travel to different cities and meet audiences because of their support for the film. “We did not want to simply return after screening the film. Meeting the audiences and listening to their views is also our responsibility,” said Gurung.
Directed by Gurung, ‘Pension Patta’ features Dayahang Rai, Sunil Thapa, Pashupati Rai, Gaumaya Gurung, Wilson Bikram Rai, Luniva Tuladhar and Buddhi Tamang, among others. The film tells a story of family, love, sacrifice, identity and relationships against the backdrop of pensions associated with the lives of Nepali ex-Gurkha soldiers.
Directed by Sashan Kandel, ‘Behuli’ is a romantic film. It stars TikTok personality Paras Bam (Cool Boy) and actress Divya Rayamajhi in the lead roles. Sushant Karki, Padam Tamang, Santosh Baniya, Sarita Giri, Bishal Pahari, Karma Lama and Dipak Gauli, among others, also feature in the film.
According to the Film Development Board, as of September 20, ‘Gaunthali’ had grossed Rs. 259,473,040, ‘Parvati’ Rs. 22,431,883 and ‘Elephants in the Fog’ Rs. 11,654,970.
