Film directors dream a film, they travel a time & the whole of film future relies on them. Nepali cinema has witnessed some of the infrequent talents who have given us some memorable path breaking films & took some to super stardom. I now call you to peek at such top 1o Nepali directors who have played a whole different ball game & made a difference with that one or two films of theirs.
10) Prakash Thapa
Prakash Thapa is believed to have started first ever true blue Nepali commercial cinema with 'Man Ko Bandh' (1973). He made some other very memorable films and launched several actors that went to become established names - Shiva Shrestha (Jeevan Rekha), Bhuwan K.C (Juni), Gauri Malla Karishma Manandhar & Kristi K.C (Santaan) to name a few. Prakash Thapa outdid himself in every film & his films became so exemplary that his films continue to inspire even today.
9) Tulsi Ghimire
His film journey is legendary as is his film making. After spending some quality time in Bombay's studios, he comes here and we all know how he goes on to rule the silver screen then. His films deal into human relationships & although he is facing a set back in his career at current, he has not yet given up his knack for story telling. From movies like Baasuri, Kusumerumal, Lahure, Chino, Deuta, Dakshina and Darpan Chhaya, Tulsi Ghimire continues to inspire us.
8) Sudarshan Thapa
His 2009 directorial debut Mero euta saathi chha was hailed as a path-breaker for its wonderfully handled romantic -love- moments and teary emotion. From tv soaps Sudarshan had made a successful transition to films and looked promising. Sadly, he bit dust after dust post 'Mero Euta Saathi Chha'. Hope he still game to return to that blueprint he left with ' Mero euta saathi chha'.
7) Alok Nembang
This eternally colorful director is inarguably Nepal's most loved film maker. Although the figures of his films indicate other story. Alok was found dead in a shocking event last year, leaving us all stunned. His last swan song 'Ajhai Pani' recently released . But Alok will be best remembered for 'Sano Sansar', our version of 'You've got mail'. Interestingly, it was Sano Sansar that got Karma Shakya, Namrata Shrestha, Vinaya Shrestha & Jivan Luitel to the world of cinema .
6) Bhushan Dahal
We know, we know Kagbeni began it all, the overtly hyped digital film making. And we know Bhushan Dahal should be credited to this whiff of change. He changed the t.v viewing experience, he did same with cinema. We are waiting what he is doing next.
5) Prashant Rasaily
Prashant Rasaily brought that very needed change wave to the stereotypical Nepali film rules. Appeared as a neo-realistic director, Prashant has given Nepali film a total new dimension with an unusual flair. His films Acharya and Kathaa, broke all the conventional norms & considered to be path-breaking films by the critics' allies. Yes he is the very writer of Kagbeni.
4) Manoj Pandit
His films always carry a political element & are heavily inspired from the almost forgotten pages of our history. Manoj Pandit is truly a daring film maker but sometimes he misses a point, sometimes he over cooks the meal and spoils. Most often its his overindulging approach that spoils.
3) Bhaskar Dhungana
Daring, highly prolific, influential & with a great sense of aesthetic, Bhaskar Dhungana is all that and beyond. Also the owner of theater chain QFX, Bhaskar has tried his hand in films with the highly acclaimed Suntali, where he has beautifully blended realism, art & cinema together to produce something noble - a rare in Nepali film.
2) Ram Babu Gurung
Last year audiences got their sudden favorite in Ram Babu Gurung. To your knowledge, Ram Babu started his career with small films like 'Anagarik' & 'Bulk Holiday'. It is his third movie 'Kabaddi', which got him recognition. 'Kabaddi' also saw acting debut of its producer Nischal Basnet, that's too in a comedy film. And yes, we all know comedies are quiet a task to justify, but Ram Babu did it brilliantly. Thank you for giving us 'Kabaddi', Mr. Gurung.
1) Nischal Basnet :
Those related to the film industry swear by the fact that it is very difficult being different, especially in the industry as fixed as Nepali Film industry. But Nischal Basnet has proved us all wrong. What really catches the eye in his movies is the fact that his story telling never tries to follow the normal Nepali movie format & is acutely unpredictable. Also the fact that he has not only the knack but also the courage to cast actors who are lesser known & yet make a great movie which is by far phenomenal in the Nepali film industry. Nischal, being different is fine as long as you continue to engage & entertain the audiences. Go on boy.
