The political environment has adversely affected the Nepali movie industry. As the election result are being released, no Nepali movie is going to be released this week in theater.

Nepali film artists are also in a state of shock when the biggest party before election is seemingly the distinct third after Nepali Congress and CPN (UML), according the initial election result. Shocked Maoist have cried foul and have asked the counting to stop.

Prior to the election a number of film artists had joined political parties including Maoist, UML and Congress. Well known producer and Gopi Krishna theater owner Uddav Poudel is likely to loose in Kathmandu -4. Another producer, Ramesh Jung Rayamajhi (NC candidate) has lost from Morang-8 to UML candidate. Ramesh Jung has produced ‘Nai Na Bhannu La’, ‘Malai Man Paryo’ and upcoming ‘Santrash’.

Actress Rekha Thapa, who was supposed to be contesting at Parsa 1 has asked the party to accept the defeat. It seems, Maoist are also having tough time in Parsa.

UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has been defeated in Kathmandu-10 by Nepali Congress Rajan KC.

Dahal, who had won in 2008 election with 23,277 votes, could manage only third position with 12,852 votes. KC, who is about to begin victory rally in New Baneshwor, garnered 20,392 votes. CPN-UML's Surendra Manandhar was second with 13,615 votes.

As per the statistics provided by the Election Commission, Nepali Congress is leading in 67 places with UML following on 59. UCPN (Maoist) is front runner in 10 places followed by Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Loktantrik on six places. Mahantha Thakur-led Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party is leading on four places.

The news of more than 150 artists joining Nepali Congress came by surprise to many. It was particularly surprising to those who heard their own name in the news. For example, actress Mala Subba was surprised on her name included in the list of artists joining the party.

It turned out – the artists were invited for a tea party at the residence of the party president. All those who attended the party were told to have joined the party. Actor Aayush Rijal told that he was in the residence of Sushil Koirala only for the tea party. He clarified, he has no intention of joining any political parties. Aayush told that he was invited by director Suresh Darpan Pokharel for the tea party. It was Pokharel who told about the 150 artists joining Nepali Congress.

Actor and director Ramesh Budhathoki also claimed not to have joined Nepali Congress. He admitted to be supporting the party but, he isn’t a formal member of the party. Actor Jiwan Luitel has the similar statement. Sctress Jharana Thapa is currently in Europe tour, she is also told to have joined the party.

Aayush Rijal’s statement however conflicts with the following photo that shows the banner stating – Artist’s Party Entry Program. There is no mention of tea party in the banner.

Actors Binod Shrestha and Shyam Aryal have also stated that they haven’t joined the party.

On Saturday morning some 150 artists joined Nepali Congress party. In a program held at the residence of the party president Sushil Koirala in Mahargunj, the artists were welcomed in the party.

The artists include actress Jharana Thapa, Rupa Rana, Melina Manandhar, actors Jiwan Luitel, Dhiren Shakya, Aayush Rijal, Mukesh Dhakal, and Niraj Baral. Directors Ramesh Budhathoki, Suresh Darpan Pokharel and Suraj Subba joined the party in the program. Cinematographer Purosottam Pradhan, photographer Rajiv Shrestha, singer Prakash Ojha also joined the party in the program. Other film artists include Santu Tamang, Rameshowr Karki, Prabhu Samsher JBR, Shyam Rai were also among the 150 artist in the program.

After joining the party, the artists have expressed their support to the party in helping it win the upcoming election.

After the incident, almost all of the artists in the Nepali film industry have joined political parties. Many artists had previously joined CPN (Maoist) and some had joined CPN (UML) in different programs.