Kabaddi (2014 film)

Kabaddi (Nepali: कबड्डी) is a 2014 Nepalese romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Ram Babu Gurung. The film is produced by Nischal Basnet and Sunil Chand Rauniyar under the banners of Black Horse Pictures in association with Cinema Art and Media Port. It stars Dayahang Rai, Nischal Basnet, Rishma Gurung, Bijay Baral and Buddhi Tamang. The film was released on April 25, 2014, with extremely positive reviews from critics and audience for its rawness, screenplay, performances, and direction. It is the first installment of Kabaddi franchise.

Set in the Naurikot village of Mustang district, the film centers on Kaji, a young aimless man who is obsessed with marrying his cousin, Maiya, by any means. However she constantly rejects him as her dream is to pursue higher education in Kathmandu city. Their conflict takes a dramatic turn after the arrival of Bibek, a charismatic visitor from the city.

It became an all time blockbuster at the box office and remains a cult classic film of Nepali cinema. The film is also considered a landmark in modern Nepali cinema filmmaking. The film has multiple sequels. Kabaddi Kabaddi was released in 27 November 2015, and it also became a huge success critically and commercially. Its third part , Kabaddi Kabaddi Kabaddi, was released on 20 September 2019. Its fourth part, Kabaddi 4: The Final Match hit the theatres on 27 May 2022 to emerge as an all time blockbuster.