The 2010s saw a greater evolution in the Nepali film industry, with the film taking a huge leap forward from previous decades in terms of both film quality and its popularity worldwide. The industry offered a variety of genres and themes, exploring social issues, political landscapes, and human relationships, as well as the best drama and romance popular in Nepalese films. In this review, we will be ranking some of the best Nepali films from the transformative decade of the 2010s, picked based on our opinions and a combination of critical acclaim and audience reception, with each contributing uniquely to Nepal’s cinematic landscape.
Kalo Pothi (Black Hen) (2015)
Starting our list with a historical drama film, Kalo Pothi translated as “The Black Hen” that takes place in northwest Nepal’s Mugu district in 2001 during the Nepalese Civil War (Maoist War). The film, directed by Min Bahadur Bham and starring Khadka Raj Nepali as Prakash (one of two friends) and Sukraj Rokaya as Kiran (second friend), follows the story of young Prakash and Kiran in search of a missing hen (Pothi) as the inseparable friends, despite being divided by caste and societal principle, embark on a journey to find that hen, unaware of the brutality that has been caused by Nepalese Civil War.
Kalo Pothi stands out as a poignant example of Nepali cinema’s transformation, offering a heartfelt portrayal of brother-sister bonds, friendship, evocative storytelling delving into the challenges of village life in Nepal during the civil war, an excellent portrayal of the touching friendship between two boys against the backdrop of societal complexities by the two young leads, and the impact of Maoist insurgency. The film’s authentic portrayal, emotional depth, and sociological exploration give audiences a unique perspective on the human impact of historical events in Nepalese Film Industry, making it a must-see for those looking for wonderful storytelling.
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Pashupati Prasad (2016)
Pashupati Prasad, a social drama film directed by Dipendra K Khanal and starring Khagendra Lamichhane and Barsha Siwakoti in the lead roles, tells the story of a poor guy who struggles for a living after losing his parents in an earthquake. He travels to Kathmandu to earn a living and pay off his father’s debt, but his life in Kathmandu is full of challenges, struggles, love, theft, and bullying, culminating in a tragic incident.
With amazing performance and great script writing by Khagendra Lamichhane, the film provides a wonderful experience to its audience, taking them on a journey full of societal issues caused by poverty in Nepal, the impact of debt on a person’s life, and a person’s romantic and heartfelt story, which keeps audiences glued to their seats until the end. Along with Khagendra’s performance, all cast members deliver excellent performances, and the great character development and background story, combined with excellent cinematography, add flavor to Pashupati Prasad, making it a must-see film.
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Loot (2012)
Loot is a crime thriller directed and written by debutant Nischal Basnet, and it stars Saugat Malla, Dayahang Rai, Karma Shakya, Reech Sharma, Prateek Raj Neupane, Sushil Raj Pandey, Srijana Subba, and Praween Khatiwada. The film tells the story of Haku Kale (Saugat Malla), who plans a bank robbery due to his poverty and recruits other unemployed and criminal crew members. They eventually rob a bank, but the police arrive before they can escape, apprehending all of the group except Haku Kale.
Loot coined the iconic and well-known nickname “Haku Kale,” which continues to have an impact on the Nepalese people at the present date. The director’s work, the cast’s excellent performances and flawless execution of their respective roles, entertaining dialogues, appealing songs, unique and never-before-seen storyline compared to previous Nepali films, best cinematography revealing hidden spots and alley around Kathmandu city, and the plot twist all contribute to making this film a must-see in the decade.
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Chhakka Panja (2016)
The comedy-drama film Chhakka Panja, the first movie in Chhakka Panja series, directed by debutant Deepa Shree Niraula, stars Deepak Raj Giri, Priyanka Karki, Jitu Nepal, Barsha Raut, Buddhi Tamang, Shiva Hari Poudel, and Kedar Ghimire. The film tells the story of Raja (Deepak Raj Giri) and his four friends, all of whom are initially unemployed but eventually find work abroad. While Raja refuses to marry despite his mother’s repeated requests, he soon falls in love with the wife of one of his friends who has fled for the USA. Following that, Raja falls for another girl as he proposes marriage to her, which she accepts, but the story takes a turn when the girl elopes with another guy beating Raja in surprise.
Chhakka Panja takes its audience on a hilarious and entertaining journey, blending comedy and social drama to depict the lives of four friends in a Nepali village while also highlighting the effects of unemployment and foreign employment in Nepalese society. With brilliant performances from its cast, witty humor, amusing music, and a refreshing presentation of societal issues with great cinematography depicting beautiful locations, the film provides a joyful experience making it a must-see for those looking for a light-hearted yet thought-provoking cinematic experience.
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Kabaddi (2014)
Kabaddi is a romantic drama film written and directed by Ram Babu Gurung that stars Dayahang Rai, Nischal Basnet, and Rishma Gurung in lead roles. The film tells the story of Kazi (Dayahang), an uneducated young man living in Mustang who falls for his maternal uncle’s daughter, Maiyya (Rishma), but is repeatedly rejected by her. Soon, a third man enters his love story, trying to elope Maiyya in Kathmandu and attempting to exact revenge on Maiyya’s father.
The Mustang film will take you on a journey through the Mustang region’s societal issues, including capture-marriage practice while portraying the region’s rawness, and the daily lives of rural Mustang people backed by its beautiful locations. Great cinematography, excellent character portrayal by the cast in their respective roles, catchy tunes, narrative twists, and humorous remarks as well as its timing, add value to the movie’s entertainment for its audiences.
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Zhigrana (2015)
Next on our list is Zhigrana, a thriller directed by Pasang Lama and starring Hanna Geschewski, Arun Regmi, Menuka Pradhan, Shanti Giri, Nikun Shrestha, and Hari Prasad Bhattarai. The film follows Christine, who works for an NGO, and her boss assigns her to the final mission in Ruku to collect information. While she and the rest of her crew travel to Ruku, they come across a place known as Zhigrana, where a killer is on the loose and sacrifices humans in the name of Kaal Panchami. They end up in the Zhigrana, one by one being murdered, and the murderer remains unknown.
Zhigrana promises a suspenseful and thrilling ride that combines horror, mystery, and psychological drama. This Nepali film offers an engaging cinematic experience that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, thanks to its unique storyline, well-executed suspense, and commendable performances by the cast, including lead actress Hanna Geschewski, who becomes the first foreign actress to star in a leading role acting and speaking Nepali, which is quite amazing.
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Seto Surya (White Sun) (2016)
Seto Surya, also known as White Sun, is a biographical war drama film directed by Deepak Rauniyar that stars Dayahang Rai and Rabindra Singh Baniya in the lead roles. The film tells the story of Chandra (Dayahang), an anti-regime partisan who returns to his mountain village after his father’s death, bringing with him a young street orphan, Badri, who is thought to be his son. The film delves into the complexities of post-civil war Nepal as Chandra deals with family, political tensions, and the difficult journey to cremate his father alongside his political rival brother, Suraj (Rabindra), exposing the persistent societal norms and discriminatory traditions he once fought against.
Seto Surya is an interesting Nepali film that expertly navigates the aftermath of the Nepalese Civil War (the Maoist War, which depicts the conflict between Royalists and Maoists), delving into family dynamics, societal conflicts, and the challenges of forging a new identity for the country. The film’s well-crafted storytelling, strong performances from the leads, and insightful commentary on post-war Nepal make for a unique and thought-provoking cinematic experience for the audiences making it a one to watch.
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Jatra (2016)
Jatra, a comedy film, and the first in its series, is directed by Pradib Bhattarai and stars Bipin Karki, Rabindra Singh Baniya, Rabindra Jha, and Barsha Raut. The film tells the story of Phadindra (Bipin), an innocent, poor, and hardworking man whose life changes when he receives a sack full of three crore Nepalese rupees (around US $200,000) and implements various ideas with his two friends to protect the money from the real owners, which have a great impact on their lives.
Jatra is a delightful blend of comedy and drama, making it an entertaining Nepali film suitable for families and children. With a talented cast, witty humor, and creative plot twists, the film provides a lighthearted cinematic experience while highlighting Nepali cinema’s emerging potential. With good cinematography, excellent authentic and genuine performances by its cast, plot twists, an engaging story with great humor, and situational comedy scenes, the movie Jatra is a must-see film in the 2010s, especially for those looking for a good Nepali comedy film.
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Dying Candle (2016)
Dying Candle is an emotional drama film directed by Naresh Kumar KC and starring Srijana Subba, Lakpa Singhi Tamang, Saugat Malla, and Arpan Thapa. It tells the story of Kshemi, who becomes a caretaker in her family after the tragic death of her father, her ill mother, and brother. She is faced with the difficult decision of sacrificing her own dignity by marrying a dishonest man, Janak Lai, in order to secure medical treatment for her sick brother and mother delving into the challenges of familial responsibility, self-sacrifice, and the harsh realities of life in Nepal’s Himalayan region.
Dying Candle is a touching Nepali film about the complex dynamics of love, family, and social hierarchy in rural Rasuwa. With strong performances by the cast, rich cultural influences supported by good cinematography and editing depicting a live natural setting, good background music, and a unique narrative approach, the film provides an authentic and thought-provoking cinematic experience that transcends conventional storytelling recommended to the audience who prefers a great emotional story in Nepali film.
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Taandro (2016)
Taandro, a civil war drama film directed by Samten Bhutia and starring Dayahang Rai, Maniram Pokharel, Buddhi Tamang, and Ram Babu Gurung, tells the story of Koshish/Ganga Bahadur Lama (Dayahang), a member of an underground Maoist group who reminds rural people on their rights. On his awareness campaign in the village of Chailung, he and his comrades along with the villagers are ambushed by the Royal Nepalese army, resulting in a tragic incident in which he is injured while hiding from the army.
Taandro, based on the book Smriti Ka Dobharu, is a gripping portrayal of life during the Nepalese insurgency, with a focus on the challenges faced by a Maoist comrade, played brilliantly by Dayahang Rai. The film provides a valuable perspective on the untold side of history by depicting a real-life story from the Nepalese Civil War, which is complemented by Rai’s exceptional acting and Purushottam Pradhan’s excellent cinematography making the movie a one to watch.
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Saanghuro (2013)
Saanghuro is a social romantic drama film directed by Joes Pandey and starring Shushank Mainali, Deeya Maskey, Dayahang Rai, and Buddhi Tamang that delves into the psychosocial conflicts of Krishna and Kamala, a newlywed couple from a lower middle class family living in an urban slum. The story delves into the difficulties of poverty and the complexities of their relationship, emphasizing the influence of external factors, such as Krishna’s mother’s constant presence, on their marital dynamic.
Saanghuro depicts the harsh reality of poverty in Nepal, following the lives of a couple struggling with financial constraints in a slum. While delving into its characters’ romantic struggles, which are perfectly portrayed by the lead’s strong performance, the film also provides a touching commentary on societal issues and an unflinching approach to storytelling, making it a compelling watch for those looking for authentic narratives. The good direction, writing, and performance, combined with authentic storytelling, add flavor to the movie, making it an entertaining watch.
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Birami Sahar (Sick City) (2010)
Birami Sahar, also known and translated as Sick City in English, is directed and written by Murray Kerr and stars Arpan Thapa, Sara Lama, and Manu Thapa. The film tells the story of Krishna, a financially struggling individual who enters the dangerous world of drug dealing in search of quick cash and a lavish lifestyle. Krishna’s survival instincts are tested as he navigates the complexities of his dual life as a family man and a drug dealer in Thamel’s red-light district, resulting in a gripping story of one night when his choices become a fight for survival against an uncertain destiny.
Sick City, directed by English director Murray Kerr, is an enjoyable break from mainstream Nepali cinema, depicting a high-energy, rough portrayal of life on the edge in Kathmandu’s red-light district. With a realistic depiction, an impressive performance by debutant Arpan Thapa, and a gripping storyline, the film is an important turning point in the evolution of Nepali cinema, challenging conventional narratives and showcasing a side of the country rarely seen in mainstream productions.
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Love Sasha (2017)
Love Sasha, a romantic movie directed by Prachanda Man Shrestha and starring Karma Shakya and Keki Adhikari in lead roles tells the story of a Sasha (Keki) who develops an affection or love interest in a young man named Pearl (Karma) who happens to be a photographer when she is returning to Pokhara from Australia despite being engaged in a long-term relationship concocting a classic love triangle situation.
Love Sasha is a refreshing and nuanced romantic comedy in Nepali cinema, avoiding old-fashioned stereotypes seen in most other Nepali romantic movies, and providing a genuine portrayal of love and its complexities when there is a love triangle situation. Director Prachanda Man Shrestha’s skillful storytelling, fresh dialogue, and picturesque setting in Pokhara all contribute to the film’s engaging and heartfelt story. Love Sasha is a compelling and enjoyable viewing experience for audiences looking for a simple yet powerful film about love from distinctive perspectives.
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Acharya (2011)
Acharya is a biographical drama film directed by Prashant Rasaily and starring Satya Raj Acharya, Aruna Karki, Bipin Karki, and Sunil Pokhrel. It tells the moving story of Bhakta Raj Acharya, a talented singer who rises from extreme poverty and overcomes numerous obstacles to become one of Nepal’s greatest musicians. However, his musical destiny takes an unexpected turn when a rapidly spreading tumor in his tongue forces him to make a life-changing decision, as the film explores his determination, struggle, and enduring courage, as his sons carry on his musical legacy.
Acharya propels the Nepali film industry to new heights, highlighting director Prashant Rasaily’s storytelling and cinematography abilities. The film depicts the compelling life story of Bhajan Shiromani, Bhakta Raj Acharya, with a standout performance by Satya Raj Acharya in his role, as well as strong performances by the rest of the cast, authenticity, and technical excellence, making it a must-see for audiences looking for a cinematic experience that goes beyond conventional storytelling.
Hostel (2013)
Hostel is a teenage comedy-drama film directed by Hem Raj BC and starring Anmol K.C., Prakreeti Shrestha, Gaurav Pahadi, Rista Basnet, and Salon Basnet. It tells the story of Aditya, a wealthy young man who enrolls in a medical college hostel and forms a group of special friends there with Shree, Junge, Shristy, Monika, and Erica. However, his reckless behavior, including blackmailing the warden, damages his relationships, and the film explores themes of loneliness, remorse, and redemption as Aditya seeks a fresh start in life.
Hostel is a vibrant and entertaining Nepali film that depicts college life, friendship, and youthful adventures. With commendable performances, particularly from debutant Anmol KC, including Gaurav Pahadi, Salon Basnet, Prakreeti Shrestha, and Rista Basnet, and a relatable plot, the film offers a mix of romance, comedy, and drama that resonates with the real experiences of Nepali youth, making it a must-see for both young audiences and those looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
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Resham Filili (2015)
Last but not least, the final film on our list of the best Nepali movies of the 2010s, Resham Filili, a comedy directed by Pranab Joshi and starring Vinay Shrestha, Menuka Pradhan, Kameshwor Chaurasiya, and Menuka Pradhan in lead roles. The film tells the story of Resham, a village boy who dreams of working abroad in Qatar and returning with large sums of money so that he can marry off her sister properly, but his dream is dashed when he is duped by manpower in Kathmandu and faces financial difficulties. As he navigates the challenges, including encounters with the city’s underworld from whom he took a loan, Resham falls in love, becomes involved on a film set, and confronts the harsh realities of life to save his kidnapped friend.
Resham Filili creates an engaging cinematic experience by combining humor, emotion, and a glimpse into Kathmandu’s daily struggles, especially those who get scammed by foreign work consultants. The film’s strong points include its realistic portrayal of financial survival, relatable characters, and memorable dialogue. The film stands out for its well-executed cinematography, excellent music, and a mix of comedy and emotional scenes, making it a must-see for fans of Nepali cinema who enjoy comedy and music.
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