Pokhara, 16 February | Renowned actor Saugat Malla has expressed grave concerns over the deteriorating state of the Nepali film industry, citing weak scriptwriting and rushed production cycles as the primary culprits. During a recent discussion, Malla noted that the industry is undergoing a turbulent transition where producers face immense financial risks, often failing to recover even their basic investment. He emphasized that the foundation of a good film lies in its story, yet the industry lacks the patience to invest time in writing. “Writing a script is like farming; it needs time, the right weather, and proper care. You cannot plant a seed and expect fruit the next day,” Malla remarked, suggesting that at least a year should be dedicated to script development for a quality outcome.
Malla highlighted the tragic plight of producers, some of whom have been forced to sell their homes to settle debts incurred from failed projects. He pointed out the irony where makers often have to distribute free tickets for publicity and stage “success parties” despite the film being a commercial disaster. Saugat admitted that he often works in films due to professional pressure and obligation rather than creative satisfaction, often realizing a project’s doomed fate when he is forced into shooting before a script is even finalized. Beyond writing, he criticized the lack of expertise in technical areas like sound design. He urged filmmakers to prioritize preparation over haste, asserting that it is better not to make a film at all than to produce one without a solid vision and depth.
