Dashain film earnings decline, but Dayahang Rai makes a comeback

According to data from the Film Development Board, among the Nepali films released this year targeting Dashain, "Kabaddi 5: After the Final Match," which came out after Tika, has earned the most. Released on Kartik 6, the film earned about 107.7 million rupees by Kartik 15, drawing roughly 346,000 viewers.

"Aa Bata Aama 2," released before Tika, earned about 62.5 million rupees, "Chha Maya Chhapakkai 2" earned about 33.5 million rupees, and "12 Gaun 2" earned about 23 million rupees. Since these were sequels, they faced pressure to earn at least 100 million rupees each, but theaters saw fewer viewers before Dashain.

"Kabaddi 5" was written and directed by Ram Babu Gurung. For its lead actor, Dayahang Rai, this year has turned into a year of comeback. His other film, "Pension Patta," released on Bhadau 26, had also earned more than 100 million rupees, making him the first actor this year to deliver two successful films.

Over the past three years, 10 of his films, including "Rimai," "Rajagunj," and "Mahabhoj," had failed to do the business expected of them. Rai has said the title "box-office superhero" feels heavy on him, and that he will bring out "Kabaddi 6," though it will take time.