Nepal, Jan. 12 -- In the digital age, Nepali filmmakers seem to believe they have to cultivate their audience-either by cashing in on the fame of a 'superstar', presenting a 'unique story', or tapping into contemporary mores. On paper, Jai Shree Daam ticks all boxes. The film presents a 'superstar'-YouTube sensation Amrit Dhungana-along with other veterans. There's a unique story-the blackmailing of a sexually-active religious celebrity-and a contemporary ethos-anger towards the establishment over a sensational rape and murder case.

In practice, Nepali filmmakers shamelessly attempt to recreate a film or genre that has worked in the past. But even Nischal Basnet, pioneer of the Nepali crime-comedy genre, has failed to recreate his breakt...