Rajesh Hamal’s ‘Narashimha: Avatar’ hits theaters

Kathmandu: Nepali cinema’s beloved ‘Mahanayak,’ Rajesh Hamal, has made his long-awaited comeback to the silver screen with the action-drama Narashimha: Avatar, released nationwide this Friday.

After an 8-year hiatus, Hamal returns in a powerful role in the film written and directed by Diwakar Bhattarai. Narashimha: Avatar has been granted a rare solo release and is showing in more than 130 theaters across Nepal—an impressive feat in the competitive market. However, despite this promising launchpad, advance bookings have been lower than expected.

Now, the spotlight is on how well the film will perform with day-of ticket sales and audience feedback. Industry insiders believe the film’s fate lies in converting its wide availability into actual footfall at the box office.

The movie features a strong ensemble cast including Niti Shah, Raj Katuwal, Sanisha Bhattarai, Saroj Khanal, Nir Shah, Arjun Shrestha, Usha Khadgi, Deepa Shahi, and Prashant Tamrakar. Blending themes of love, family, and revenge, Narashimha: Avatar promises emotional depth and commercial appeal.

Produced by Nem Maharjan, Deepak Sharma Dhakal, Narendra Maharjan, and Dhruba Neupane, the film enters a market still dominated by the sleeper hit The Woolen Sweater, which continues its successful run into the third week with 112 shows still going strong. Other Nepali titles such as Ke Ghar Ke Dera 2 and Anjila remain in theaters, adding to the box office competition.

Whether Narashimha: Avatar will mark a triumphant return for Rajesh Hamal now hinges on audience response in the coming days.