KATHMANDU: Nepali family drama “Gaunthali” has emerged as one of the biggest box-office successes of the year, grossing Rs 74.27 million within 10 days of its release, according to the official box office data of the Film Development Board.
Released on July 17, the film has maintained strong momentum into its second week, with audience turnout showing little sign of slowing. Official figures show that 260,254 tickets have been sold at multiplexes and single-screen cinemas nationwide during its first 10 days.
The film set a new benchmark on its second Saturday, earning more than Rs 16.5 million in a single day—the highest one-day collection recorded by any Nepali film this year. It continued its strong performance on Sunday, adding nearly Rs 15 million to its gross earnings.
Based on its current performance, Gaunthali has become the second highest-grossing Nepali film of the year, behind Lalibazar. If the current pace continues, industry observers expect the film to cross the Rs 100 million mark later this week and potentially become the year’s top-performing domestic release.
Although the film opened to modest numbers, it has gained significant momentum through positive word-of-mouth, with audiences praising its original story and emotional family themes. Cinema operators report that many viewers are attending in family groups of 10 to 15 people, with female audiences accounting for a significant share of ticket sales.
The cast and production team are currently visiting cinemas in Kathmandu Valley and across the country to interact with audiences and thank viewers for their support.
The new Gaunthali is directed by Dr. Kapil Rijal, who has reimagined the title with an entirely new story. The original Gaunthali, produced more than two decades ago by senior gynecologist and lyricist Dr. Bhola Rijal, was Nepal’s first musical film and celebrated a successful 51-day theatrical run.
The latest film stars Arun Chhetri, Simran Khadka, Madan Krishna Shrestha, Prakash Ghimire, Lunibha Tuladhar, Rabindra Jha, Ishwori Baral, Sanjog Rasaili, Sita Devi Timilsina, Laxminath Timilsina, and child actors Anshu Oli and Prince Nepali.
The story is written by Dr. Bhola Rijal, while the screenplay and dialogues were jointly penned by Dr. Kapil Rijal, Nishchal Kunwar, Neeraj Nepal, and Giriraj Ghimire. Produced under the banners of Bhola Rijal Production and Suman Giri Production, the film is produced by Suman Giri and Dr. Kapil Rijal, with Sarala Rijal serving as executive producer. Co-producers include Indu Giri, Manish Rijal, Pralaya Rijal, and Jeevan Oli.
