For years, the Nepali film industry has been captivated by the belief that movies can only succeed if they feature big-name actors and celebrity. Producers and directors are willing to pay actors anywhere from NPR 30 to 60 lakh, believing that a star-studded cast guarantees box office success. However, recent releases have questioned this long-held assumption.
Do Big Celebrity Guarantee Big Profits?
Despite featuring well-known actors, several recent movies have failed at the box office. Films like Aktor: Take One; starring Pradeep Khadka, Mummy ;starring Priyanka Karki, and Dukhi Aatma ;featuring Dayahang Rai, and Sarang ; starring Richa Sharma did not perform well. Even Bam Bahadur, starring Saugat Malla, failed to attract audiences.
These failures prove that social media popularity or fan followings do not necessarily translate into ticket sales. The days when a star’s name alone could draw crowds to theaters appear to be over.
Pradeep Khadka: “Movies, Not Actors, Should Be Marketed”
Actor Pradeep Khadka emphasizes that movies should be sold as products, not just as vehicles for actors. He argues that while concerts rely on an artist’s fame to sell tickets, movies need strong storytelling and execution to succeed.
According to him, having a popular star can help secure better distribution deals, international sales, and digital rights. However, he acknowledges that a film’s success ultimately depends on its quality.
Director Krisha Chaulagain: “Content is King”
Filmmaker Krisha Chaulagain compares a star to a fragrance in a film but insists that content is the real selling point. She highlights that both star-led films and those featuring fresh faces can either succeed or fail, depending on their content.
She argues that while well-known actors might make initial marketing easier, they cannot guarantee a film’s success. The key to a hit movie lies in its storytelling and execution.
Are Actor Salaries Justified?
Distributor Rohit Kattel believes that there is a significant mismatch between actor salaries and box office earnings. He points out that while some actors charge between NPR 40 to 60 lakh, many of their films struggle to cross even NPR 1 crore in earnings.
He questions how the industry can afford such high salaries when only a handful of films make substantial profits each year. According to him, the focus should shift from overpaying actors to investing in quality content that audiences will pay to watch.
Nepali Film Industry Needs a Reality Check
Despite a few blockbuster hits each year, most Nepali films fail to recover their investments. Rohit Kattel stresses that actors should not be demanding NPR 50–60 lakh salaries unless their movies consistently generate high revenue.
Instead of relying on star power, producers should prioritize strong storytelling, audience engagement, and market trends to ensure success. As the Nepali film industry evolves, it must recognize that content—not just big names—determines a movie’s fate at the box office.
Quality Over Star Power
The recent trend of star-led box office failures highlights a clear message: Nepali cinema must move beyond its obsession with star power. A strong script, good direction, and effective marketing are what truly make a movie successful. While big names may add value, they cannot replace the importance of quality storytelling.
For the industry to thrive, filmmakers must shift their focus from high actor salaries to creating content that resonates with audiences. Only then can Nepali cinema see consistent success.
