KATMANDU: Set against the backdrop of Nepal’s deadly Maoist insurgency, “Kalo Pothi” (The Black Hen) opened to packed theaters in Katmandu at the weekend, signaling a growing fondness for gritty domestic cinema over Bollywood extravaganzas.
For decades, Nepali filmmakers churned out copies of India’s famously glamorous movies, blending chaste love songs with action sequences in a bid to grab eyeballs.
But after years of losing ground to Hindi films, Nepali cinema is casting off the song-and-dance format with storylines that seek to capture the reality of life in the Himalayan nation.
“Kalo Pothi” follows two boys living in a remote, impoverished hamlet and is based on debut filmmaker Min Bahadur Bam’s own experiences growing up during the country’s decade-long civil war.
“We often underestimate the Nepali audience, but they are very intelligent. As filmmakers, it is about time we respect them and take risks,” said Bam.
For decades, Nepali filmmakers churned out copies of India’s famously glamorous movies, blending chaste love songs with action sequences in a bid to grab eyeballs.
But after years of losing ground to Hindi films, Nepali cinema is casting off the song-and-dance format with storylines that seek to capture the reality of life in the Himalayan nation.
“Kalo Pothi” follows two boys living in a remote, impoverished hamlet and is based on debut filmmaker Min Bahadur Bam’s own experiences growing up during the country’s decade-long civil war.
“We often underestimate the Nepali audience, but they are very intelligent. As filmmakers, it is about time we respect them and take risks,” said Bam.
