Shameless imitation on rise

The trend to imitate Indian Bollywood films has taken root in Nepali Film Industry since the very early stage of its history. Most film-makers take a short-cut to copying not only the title but also story, dialogue and scenes of Bollywood films without any sense of guilt. Evidences show that Indian films have a far-reaching influence over Nepali films since the filming of 'Harischandra', the first ever Nepali film.

Bollywood industry has far excelled to meet international standards with the use of latest technology in modern context while Nepali film industry, comparatively younger by some decades, is still at a tortoise-pace. Nepalese producers and directors have failed to produce anything new but are expert at serving the audience the replica of what is already there in the Bollywood. Nepali film crews agree that they have lagged behind in experimenting new concepts, technology and innovations. Some even don't regret to say that it's not bad to copy the Bollywood films which are also imitation of the Hollywood. We are compelled to switch to such immitative trend as Nepalise audience are greatly influenced by the Indian films, said a director on condition of anonymity, further adding, "It's not a crime to immitate good creations of the world."

Nepali film industry has suffered its own originality and uniqueness due to a majority of commercially motivated instead of professional film-makers, argued K.P. Pathak. He further maintained that newness in Nepali films has been a distant cry as most film-makers are lazy bones who don't dare exploring new areas for filming. Director-cum-lyricist Yadav Kharel hinted at the possibility of mimicry due to similar cultural, and linguistic heritage between Nepal and India. As Nepali film-makers suffer from inferiority complex, they don't give a second thought to giving a new taste to Nepali audience, added he. The influence of the Bollywood over Nepali films can also be attributed to the lack of government plans and policies to uplift the industry onto a new height.

Many of the hit and unsuccessful Nepali films are nothing but a mere imitation of Indian films. Some bear same titles such as Himmat, Sadak, Prithvi, Chamatkar, Man, Bandhan, Jiddhi, Badal, Chadani, Angarakshak, Kamando, Dag, Dusman, Khandan, Arjun, Aawara etc. with others copying story, dialogue, music, scene or lyrics such as Darpanchhaya (Duniya Dilwaleki), Solteeni (Ham Aap Ke Hain Kaun), Superstar (Rangila), Aago (Diljale), Hiro (Saugandha), Allare (Dil He Betab), Jindagani (Hogi Pyar Ki Jit), Sukha Dukha (Jaisi Karani Waisi Bharani), Kasto Saino (Janawar), to name a few.