Film Development Board grants production permits to 36 films in a month

KATHMANDU, June 18: The Film Development Board (FDB) granted production permits to 36 films in the month of Jestha (mid-May to mid-June). This number indicates a potential increase in film production compared to the previous year.

Thaman Kumar Bhandari is set to produce the film Lobhi Papi with Pradeep Khadka in the lead role. The film has a reported budget of Rs 23 million.

Marichman Shrestha, known as ‘Balchhi Dhurbe’, will direct and produce his film Gobar Ganesh. Featuring Pujan Ghimire ‘Puku’, the film will be made with a budget of Rs 20 million. Kiran Nepali is set to produce Maharani with a budget of Rs 29 million. The film will be directed by Muskan Dhakal.

Similarly, Prateek Subedi, producer of Purna Bahadurko Sarangi, will make a new film titled Pandeko One Day with a budget of Rs 20 million. This film marks the directorial debut of screenwriter Mahesh Dawadi.

Kapil Rijal, son of senior doctor and lyricist Bhola Rijal, will direct his second film Chhal Kapat. The budget for this film is set at Rs 25 million.

Bhuwan KC will direct Batulo Jun with a modest budget of Rs 2.5 million, featuring his son Anmol KC in the lead role. The film will be produced by Bhuwan’s partner, Jiya KC. Anmol KC and Princy Khatiwada have been finalized as the lead actors for the film.

Ganesh Dev Pandey will direct Pari Butol with a budget of Rs 30 million.

Neeta Dhungana is set to produce two films: Ek Dui Teen with a budget of Rs 20 million, and Sukha Dukkha with a budget of Rs 21 million.

Prachanda Man Shrestha will direct and produce Jayanti with a budget of Rs 5.7 million and Pathlaiya with Rs 6.3 million. Sabin Shrestha is also producing Pathlaiya with a budget of Rs 10 million.

Actress Keki Adhikari has received production permits for two films: Bhadrakali and Radha Piyari. The budget for Radha Piyari is reported to be Rs 4.25 million.

Arun Syangtang is set to produce the film Tathastu with a budget of Rs 54 million. Pujana Gurung will direct the film Captain Kalika with a budget of Rs 20 million. Bhawani Sangraula will direct and produce Ahuti 2 with a budget of Rs 12 million. Model Anjali Adhikari will debut through this film.

Krishna BK will direct Gairi Khet with Ashirwad Chhetri in the lead role, with a budget of Rs 16.5 million. Naveen Panta is set to produce Bakas with a budget of Rs 20 million. Himal Neupane will direct Sat Ghatu with Talisa Gurung as the lead actress, on a budget of Rs 9.9 million.

Sudarshan Thapa will direct and produce Shubha Bibaha with Pradeep Khadka in the lead, on a budget of Rs 20 million. Thapa will also make another film, Chalis Katesi Ramaula, with a budget of Rs 15 million. Amit Agrahari is set to produce Itta Bhatta with a budget of Rs 25 million. He has also announced a second film Chittha with a budget of Rs 15 million. Ghanshyam Lamichhane will produce Luchachundi on a budget of Rs 12.5 million.

Meanwhile, in the month of Jestha alone, a total investment of Rs 520 million has been confirmed through 36 film projects.

According to the FDB, 19 films received production permits in the month of Baisakh, including new registrations. In comparison, the number increased to 36 in Jestha, showing that film production has doubled from the previous month. In Nepal, filmmakers are required to register with the FDB and obtain a production permit before starting film production.