KATHMANDU: The fifth installment of the popular Nepali film franchise ‘kabaddi’, titled ‘kabaddi 5’, is set to hit theaters this Friday, October 22. Although the fourth film was marketed as ‘the final match’, director Rambabu Gurung stated that the story of the lead character, Kaji, was far from over.
According to Gurung, the previous film only concluded one chapter of Kaji’s romantic life. The fifth installment was developed to explore the practical aspects of his life, driven by audience interest and encouragement. ‘The reason for naming the fourth installment as the final match was to conclude one chapter of Kaji’s love life. But the story continues beyond that,’ Gurung said.
The director clarified that there was no external pressure to produce a fifth film, noting that positive feedback from the audience provided the necessary motivation. After discussing the project with lead actor Dayahang Rai, Gurung began writing the script. He believes that as the series progressed, the characters developed their own unique world. ‘The audience has grown alongside these characters. We have been working with them consistently, and we feel a personal connection to them,’ he added.
Produced under the banner of Basuri Films, the movie features actors Dayahang Rai, Bijay Baral, Buddhi Tamang, Bipin Karki, Miruna Magar, Sirjana Gurung, and Rishma Gurung in lead roles. The film is produced by Rambabu Gurung, Maniram Pokharel, Madhu Mijar, and Bishal Gurung (LG), with Sagar Raj Cinema serving as the executive producer.
