Ram Babu Gurung, known for his success in four Kabaddi films that were all box office hits in Nepal’s film industry, made his directorial debut with Kabaddi. He works as both a director and a writer, and his films include Purano Dunga, Mr Jholay, Saili, Kabaddi Series, and Jaari, which were all commercial successes. Most of his films are box office successes because he writes the majority of the films he directs. With the recent success of Fulbari, we will look into the hit films directed by Ram Babu Gurung exploring why he is well-known for delivering the best romantic films in Nepal’s film industry.
Fulbari (2023)
Fulbari, starring Bipin Karki, Aruna Karki, Priyan Karki, Dayahang Rai, and Shilpa Maskey, depicts the story of an elderly couple who enjoy a tranquil retirement while their three sons are engaged with their own life. As the family meets for a large Dashain celebration, money concerns ignite a conflict among the family members, and as the children leave, everything falls apart when the mother becomes unwell and is brought to the hospital, while their sons make dreadful mistakes.
A poignant film directed by Ram Babu Gurung and written by Upendra Subba beautifully depicts a small family story and the challenges of generational expectations, creating a touching narrative by expertly understanding the emotions and feelings of the Nepalese people and society. Director Ram Babu Gurung skillfully crafts an authentic narrative, and Bipin Karki and the rest of the cast deliver standout performances that add depth and emotion to the story. Fulbari, with its compelling storytelling and relatable characters who appear authentic, provides a captivating cinematic experience that is both touching and thought-provoking.
Box Office Verdict: Hit
Fulbari Movie Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ / 5
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Kabaddi 4: The Final Match (2022)
The fourth installment of the Kabaddi series, Kabaddi 4: The Final Match, stars Dayahang Rai, Saugat Malla, and Miruna Magar in the lead roles, as well as Buddi Tamand and Maotse Gurung, and continues the story of Kaji, who, after losing hope of marriage, decides to become a monk and live a solitary life, but his family forces him to marry and abandon his foolish decision. He comes home to resume his duties as chairman of his school, where he recruits a new teacher, Shanti, who has affection for him, but he rejects her when she flirts. Later, Bir Kaji, Kaji’s cousin, and adversary, quickly enters the picture and falls for Shanti.
Ram Babu Gurung brings new life to Nepali cinemas with a simple plot with a plot twist. He always delivers on the Kabaddi series, making excellent use of the characters excellently portrayed by cast members to offer an engaging, funny, and pleasurable plot of Kaji’s love story. With a fresh take on previously portrayed characters and the introduction of new character faces, Ram Babu Gurung with Kabaddi 4 provides a captivating conclusion to the beloved series about Kaji, adding depth to the storyline and character development, making it a must-see for audiences seeking both entertainment and artistic excellence in cinema.
Box Office Verdict: Blockbuster
Kabaddi 4: The Final Match Movie Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
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Senti Virus (2020)
Senti Virus is a comedy-drama film about a couple named Dhrubaram and Juneli who are involved in an election in Nepal’s Kavrepalanchowk district. As Dhrubaram supports a rich and wealthy man, his wife’s father declares his candidacy, resulting in a family feud caused by an election. Senti Virus stars Sitaram Kattel, Kunjana Ghimire, Dayahang Rai, Wilson Bikram Rai and Buddhi Tamang.
Senti Virus could be appealing to audiences due to its portrayal of sociopolitical drama. While the screenplay and direction feel rushed, Sitaram Kattel’s outstanding performance as Dhurmus elevates the film. The film requires improvement in editing, screenplay, and storytelling, as well as Ram Babu Gurung’s direction and writing, which have diminished in comparison to his previous hits, so viewers could treat it as a one-time watch given its comedic moments and fresh story.
Box Office Verdict: Average
Senti Virus Movie Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
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Saili (2019)
Saili tells the story of a young adult girl in a Nepalese village as she grows into an adult and experiences an emotional roller coaster as she hopes to find a passionate, loving lover in adulthood. However, the reality remains different, emphasizing the social cost of foreign employment on people’s lives. The film stars Dayahang Rai, Gaurav Pahari, Menuka Pradhan, Buddhi Tamang, and Maotse Gurung.
Saili realistically depicts societal issues intertwined with a romantic narrative, as director Ram Babu Gurung’s expert storytelling highlights the difficulties faced by Nepali youth seeking foreign employment, as well as the complexities of relationships in a changing social landscape. The film’s strong performances, particularly by Gaurav Pahari and Menuka Pradhan, as well as its beautiful cinematography and realistic depiction of a true story, make it a must-see for those who value thought-provoking cinema rooted in Nepali culture and society.
Box Office Verdict: Average
Saili Movie Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
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Kabaddi Kabaddi Kabaddi (2019)
The third installment of the Kabaddi series, Kabaddi Kabaddi Kabaddi, stars Dayahang Rai, Rishma Gurung, and Upasna Singh Thakuri in lead roles. The film tells the story of Kaji following his failed attempts to capture Maiya’s heart in the film’s two prequels, Kaji has grown arrogant and refuses to pursue love, choosing to spend the rest of his life with Maiya’s memories. However, he again falls for another cousin, Kashi.
Kabaddi Kabaddi Kabaddi is a fantastic blend of comedy, romance, and social commentary set in a semi-rural setting. Director Ram Babu Gurung, known for his skillful storytelling, builds on the legacy of the Kabaddi franchise by collaborating with writer Upendra Subba to create a film that entertains while also addressing societal issues. The film’s impressive performances, particularly those of Dayahang Rai, Upasana Singh Thakuri, and Bijaya Baral, highlight Ram Babu Gurung’s ability to elicit authentic portrayals from his cast. Overall, it’s a fun yet thought-provoking film worth seeing for its engaging story and relatable characters.
Box Office Verdict: Hit
Kabaddi Kabaddi Kabaddi Movie Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ / 5
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Mr. Jholay (2018)
Mr. Jholay, a romantic comedy film, tells the story of Purne, Karne, and Guna Prasad, three childhood friends who want to start a family by marrying a girl. And in that village, there is a girl named Sanu Maya who is born on a no moon day (aunsi/bad luck), her father announces a cash prize for the groom, Purne, a lower caste family boy, who has feelings for her but she doesn’t, and one of her friends, Guna, has a love interest in Karne’s sister. This causes conflict between the three friends because they all want to marry. The film’s cast includes Dayahang Rai, Prabin Khatiwada, Buddhi Tamang, Diya Pun, and Barsha Raut.
Mr. Jholay cleverly and satirically depicts the caste system in Nepali villages in a witty and entertaining manner. Director Ram Babu Gurung’s direction and writing shine through, delivering a story that seamlessly blends drama and comedy. With flawless performances from actors such as Dayahang Rai, Barsha Raut, Buddhi Tamang, and Diya Pun, the film provides a realistic portrayal of rural life while addressing important social issues. Overall, Mr Jholay is a must-see for its insightful commentary and captivating storytelling.
Box Office Verdict: Average
Mr. Jholay Movie Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ / 5
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Purano Dunga (2016)
Purano Dunga, a drama film, tells the story of two brothers who clash over a boat that represents their family fortune. As the younger brother wins the boat, the elder struggles financially because it is his family’s sole source of income. The film stars Dayahang Rai, Priyanka Karki, Maotse Gurung, Menuka Pradhan, and Buddhi Tamang.
Purano Dunga is a moving exploration of familial relationships, aspirations, and the struggles of Nepalese low-income people. Director Ram Babu Gurung expertly balances tragedy and comedy, creating relatable characters whose longings and ambitions strike a chord with viewers. Purano Dunga is a must-see for those looking for a nuanced portrayal of Nepali culture and human emotions, thanks to the film’s captivating narrative and Gurung’s insightful direction and writing.
Box Office Verdict: Average
Purano Dunga Movie Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ / 5
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Kabaddi Kabaddi (2015)
The second installment of the Kabaddi series, Kabaddi Kabaddi stars Saugat Malla, Dayahang Rai, and Rishma Gurung. The film follows the story of Kaji from the prequel Kabaddi, who is an unsatisfied lover of his soulmate Maiya and now has a rival named Bam Kaji who also loves Maiya. To defeat Bam Kaji’s love for Maiya, Kaji takes all necessary actions with the assistance of his friends and family.
Ram Babu Gurung returns with Kabaddi Kabaddi, an engaging storyline, masterful direction, and exceptional writing, collaborating with Upendra Subba to seamlessly weave elements of romance, comedy, and social commentary. The film provides a unique perspective on Nepalese culture and lifestyle, with relatable characters and captivating scenery. With flawless performances from the cast, particularly Dayahang Rai and Saugat Malla, the film promises an entertaining and memorable cinematic experience that crosses cultural boundaries.
Box Office Verdict: Hit
Kabaddi Kabaddi Movie Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
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Kabaddi (2013)
Last but not least, Kabaddi, the first installment in the Kabaddi Series, starring Dayahang Rai and Rishma Gurung, takes the audience on a journey through Kaji’s love story. The film tells the story of Kaji (Dayahang Rai), an uneducated young man living in Mustang who falls for his maternal uncle’s daughter, Maiya (Rishma Gurung), but is repeatedly turned down by her. Soon, a third man enters his love story, attempting to elope with Maiya in Kathmandu and exacting revenge on her father.
Kabaddi is a refreshing take on Nepali cinema, with stunning cinematography capturing the beauty of Mustang and commendable performances from the cast, especially Dayahang Rai, Nischal Basnet, and Rishma Gurung. With strong storytelling and character development, the film offers an entertaining mix of humor, romance, and cultural elements, making it a worthwhile cinematic experience directed by Ram Babu Gurung.
Box Office Verdict: Hit
Kabaddi Movie Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
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