‘Kabaddi 5’ Success Raises Hopes for Tourism Growth in Mustang

JOMSOM- Residents of Mustang hope the success of ‘Kabaddi 5’ will help promote tourism and create economic opportunities for local communities by bringing the Himalayan district’s landscapes, culture and way of life to wider audiences.

Mustang is known for its mountain scenery, local produce, religious and cultural heritage, and distinctive way of life. These features have long attracted domestic and international visitors. In recent years, Nepali films have also helped bring greater national and international attention to the district.

Thasang Rural Municipality, in Lower Mustang, is part of the historic Thak Sat Saya region. Located in the shadow of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges, the area is known for its natural beauty, green forests and the distinctive culture of the Thakali community.

The Thakali community prospered through trade between Nepal and Tibet in the past and has continued to pass its traditions, culture and social values from one generation to the next.

Shanti Tulachan, chairperson of the central Thakali Sewa Samiti, said efforts are being made to preserve cultural values, traditions and practices at the central, regional, village and individual levels and pass them on to younger generations.

Director Rambabu Gurung’s Kabaddi film series has gained popularity among Nepali audiences by drawing on this social and cultural setting. Its continuation through a fifth instalment, while presenting aspects of Thakali society and local culture on screen, is also a significant achievement for Nepali cinema.

At a time when Nepali films face challenges competing with Bollywood and Hollywood in terms of budgets, technology and scale, the Kabaddi series has demonstrated the potential of stories rooted in Nepal’s own geography, culture and society to connect with audiences.

But as the series reaches Kabaddi 5, an important question remains: what have the people of Mustang gained?

The films have helped introduce Mustang’s natural beauty, local lifestyles and cultural identity to a wider audience. Greater interest in the district could create opportunities to promote tourism. If more visitors travel to locations featured in the films, hotels, restaurants, transport services, local producers and other businesses could benefit.

Film production could also contribute to the local economy by providing opportunities for local actors and workers, increasing the use of locally made products and portraying the region’s culture respectfully.

However, publicity and direct benefits for local residents are not the same. Although the films have helped raise Mustang’s profile, the extent to which the resulting employment, business opportunities and economic gains have reached local communities needs to be assessed.

Without local participation, tourism benefits could remain concentrated among a limited number of businesses or outside operators. Giving local residents priority in tourism activities linked to films, expanding markets for local products and ensuring community involvement in cultural preservation are therefore important considerations.

Mustang’s identity extends beyond its mountains, scenic landscapes and attractive filming locations. Its languages, culture, traditions, local products and people’s way of life are equally important assets. Protecting and promoting these features while creating economic opportunities could help films contribute to the district’s long-term development.

For Mustang, Kabaddi 5 represents more than a film. It also offers an opportunity for residents to take pride in their geography and cultural heritage. But the film’s success should also be considered in terms of whether it brings positive changes to local people’s lives.

Having Mustang shine on the big screen is an achievement. Ensuring that the benefits reach the people who call it home would be an even greater one.