Oct 15, Kathmandu - A curious coincidence is shaping up this Dashain: all three films set to hit cinemas on Friday and Saturday are sequels to movies that performed well at the box office. Each carries the legacy of a previous hit—and high audience expectations. But can all three repeat that success?

The answer hunt begins Friday, when two much-anticipated films, 12 Gaun 2 and Aa Baata Aama 2, open in cinemas. Advance ticket bookings are already underway, putting the spotlight on which film has secured the stronger opening-show allocation.

The original 12 Gaun, released during Dashain two years ago, did strong business. Abaat Aama, released last year, also earned well. Their sequels arrive on the same day, though they target different audiences: 12 Gaun 2 is action-driven, while Aa Baata Aama 2 tells a family-focused, emotional story.

Multiplexes across the country have opened bookings after allocating shows, though the final schedules are not yet confirmed. As of Thursday afternoon, Abaat Aama 2 appears to have a slight edge at major chains.

QFX, the country’s largest multiplex chain, has allocated 45 shows to 12 Gaun 2—23 inside the Kathmandu Valley and 22 outside it. Aa Baata Aama 2 has 46 shows: 23 in the Valley and 23 elsewhere.

At INI Cinemas, the country’s second-largest multiplex chain, 12 Gaun 2 has 16 shows across all outlets, compared with 24 for Aa Baata Aama 2. Big Movies has allocated three shows to 12 Gaun 2 and four to Aa Baata Aama 2, while One Cinemas has scheduled eight and nine shows, respectively.

The initial allocations give Aa Baata Aama 2 the lead at multiplexes. However, show counts could change depending on audience demand and advance ticket sales.