Madan Thapa is a multi-talented individual who serves as a writer, editor, and director at Kathmandu Films. He is actively engaged as a filmmaker in the Indian film industry.
Mr.Thapa studied B.Sc Visual Communication at Sathyabama University and attended Nazareth Matriculation Higher Secondary School. He aims to bring a dynamic change to the Nepali film industry.
As an Indo-Nepali, Madan Thapa aims to elevate Nepal Cinema by showcasing diverse stories that resonate globally, aiming to entertain, provoke thought, and inspire change. He has also received the Maverick Director Award, highlighting his innovative storytelling approach.
His participation in the new Nepali thriller “Bato – The Road to Death” is poised to bring about a transformative shift in the industry, pushing boundaries with its innovative narrative and profound societal reflections.
How did Madan Thapa get into filmmaking?
Since childhood, Madan Thapa has been fascinated by films, likely influenced by his father’s past as an assistant director in the Tamil film industry.
However, his father later switched to a government job due to several challenges. Nonetheless, both Madan and his father regularly attended movies at the theatre, sharing a profound love for the cinematic experience.
Mr. Thapa pursued his passion further by enrolling in film college and subsequently working as an assistant director. He ventured into creating short films and music videos.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he began writing scripts, one of which was for “Bato: Road to Death.” Initially planned as an English-language film to be shot in the UK, the project faced various challenges that prevented its realization.
In the midst of filming their independent project about an earthquake during Dashain, Madan Thapa and his team met a producer from Kathmandu Films. Discovering a shared vision to elevate Nepali cinema through improved content and quality, this encounter sparked discussions about potential collaborations to advance their mutual goal of enriching the industry.
Challenges in Nepalese Cinema: Value Generation and Story Inspiration
From Madan Thapa’s perspective, he felt unsuited for a 9-to-5 job. With support from his family, he approached producers with compelling scripts that stimulated their interest in his storytelling, aiming to deliver quality content to Nepali audiences.
Inspired by South Indian cinema’s success with dubbed films, Madan Thapa infused fresh perspectives into his movies, aiming to elevate Nepal’s cinematic experience. His dedication to innovation and meaningful narratives continues to shape his path, inspiring others in the industry.
Mr.Thapa also mentioned that the story is inspired from a real life incident that happened with his friend while travelling from chennai to ooty for important work.
Navigating Role Conflicts in Filmmaking
Navigating role conflicts in filmmaking means balancing artistic vision and practical considerations. It requires ensuring narrative coherence while encouraging innovation, all while managing multiple responsibilities effectively.
Filmmaking encompasses several stages, including writing, directing, and editing, each crucially dependent on the mindset and capabilities of the individuals involved for their success. As a director, Madan Thapa suggests that department heads should avoid getting involved in every detail of individual tasks.
When assuming the role of director, it is crucial for filmmakers to prioritize directing above all other responsibilities to ensure focused and effective leadership on set.
Mr. Thapa also mentioned that filmmaking involves 24 departments, emphasizing the importance for directors to familiarise themselves with all these departments to efficiently fulfil their roles.
Inside ‘Bato’: Crafting a Nepali Cinematic Experience
While making the movie “Bato,” Madan Thapa encountered various challenges such as tardiness. He felt that certain aspects needed improvement, particularly punctuality.
Madan Thapa emphasized the importance of prioritizing discipline and respecting time within the industry, and focused on selecting new talents for actors to ensure the movie’s appeal extended beyond Nepal to a global audience, including India.
He believes actors should understand and support directors in achieving a unified vision for the film. They should prioritize the movie’s success and recognize the equal importance of theoretical and practical knowledge in filmmaking.
How Past Experiences Have Shaped Madan Thapa’s Journey in Filmmaking?
Madan Thapa has a strong background in poster designing for movies. He has been involved in editing, posting, and generating ideas for the Bato movie posters.
Instead of maintaining a traditional client-freelancer relationship, he has been dedicated to poster designing for the past decade.
Additionally, Madan Thapa has been assisting his friends with designing posters for Tamil movies. This experience likely gives him a deep understanding of the visual communication needed in movie promotions.
Mr. Thapa’s extensive experience has proven invaluable in his contributions to the Nepali film industry.
Is the film industry at a saturation point?
In Nepal, while there has been growth, challenges such as limited cinema infrastructure, distribution networks, and funding opportunities for filmmakers still exist. This can impact the industry’s ability to sustain continued growth without careful management and support.
Ultimately, whether the film industry in Nepal or any other region is at a saturation point depends on various factors including audience demand, economic conditions, and industry infrastructure.
Madan Thapa argues that filmmakers should pay attention to the evolving trends and approaches seen in South Indian cinema. He suggests that the global film industry, which once idolized Hollywood as the pinnacle, is now seeing Hollywood face challenges and perhaps a decline.
This perspective reflects a changing landscape where diverse influences and market dynamics are reshaping the film industry’s traditional power dynamics and trends.
Some Suggestions by Madan Thapa for newcomers
Madan Thapa’s perspective underscores the timeless and pivotal importance of storytelling as a fundamental element in the art and practice of filmmaking.
Stories like the Ramayana and Mahabharata endure because of their profound values, compelling plots, and memorable characters that teach valuable lessons.
Filmmakers find inspiration in timeless narratives, crafting stories that resonate deeply with audiences. By focusing on storytelling, films entertain, educate, and inspire, leaving lasting impressions and meaningful messages.
Madan Thapa highlights that storytelling is a fundamental part of human nature, originating from our earliest days in the Stone Age. It reflects our innate curiosity and enduring quest for narratives that connect us to our history and teach us valuable lessons.
Conclusion
Madan Thapa, a versatile filmmaker in Nepal, strives to revolutionize the industry through innovative storytelling and impactful narratives. From his educational background in visual communication to directing acclaimed films like “Bato – The Road to Death,” Thapa is dedicated to elevating Nepali cinema despite challenges in infrastructure and funding. His approach underscores the industry’s potential for growth by blending global trends with cultural authenticity, reflecting a dynamic shift in the global film landscape.
Here’s the podcast prepared by Consult Nepal based on this blog, made simpler for easy listening. It shares Madan Thapa’s journey and how he’s making a big difference in Nepali cinema. Listen to find out about his creative ideas, the hurdles he’s overcome, and how he’s shaping the future of film in Nepal.