‘Unko Sweater’ premieres grandly in Sikkim, releasing across India today

KATHMANDU: The Nepali blockbuster Unko Sweater (Woolen Sweater) held a grand premiere at PVR INOX, West Point Mall in Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, amid an enthusiastic presence of dignitaries, artists, and local audiences.

The event was graced by chief guest Krishna Kumari Rai, the wife of former MLA and Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay.

Also present were Tashi Tshering Bhutia, Chairperson of the Sikkim Film Promotion Board; Khel Bern Gurung, Chief of Sikkim Police; Premraj Gurung, Chair of the Labour Department; Sanjay Dilpali Rai, Chair of the Culture Board; Chopel Sherpa, head of the Education Department; and other high-ranking officials and artists.

From Nepal, actor Bipin Karki, singer Sujan Chapagain, actress Bhawana Khapangi Magar, DOP Chintan Raj Bhandari, editor Krishna Bhandari, director Naveen Chauhan, producers, and the full team attended.

Chief guest Krishna Kumari Rai praised the film, saying, “I thank Aslee Production for bringing such a heartwarming film that reflects the unity of Nepali-speaking people. Despite geographical or political boundaries, our culture and emotions are one. I am already excited for Unko Sweater 2.”

She added that the Sikkim government would continue supporting Nepali-language films and expressed hope that Sikkim would soon produce films of similar quality.

Director Naveen Chauhan said it was an honour to present the film to the Sikkimese audience, noting that the overwhelming support of Nepali-speaking viewers across India has opened doors for more Nepali films to release regularly in the Indian market.

Audience members expressed delight at witnessing such a grand premiere in Sikkim for the first time. “We never imagined Nepal was making films of this quality. Its future in India looks very bright,” one viewer said.

Many viewers shared that if such films continue to arrive, Nepali cinema would become their top preference.

The film has officially released in 14 major theatres across India, including Darjeeling’s SVF Cinema, Kurseong’s Fantasee Cinema, Namchi Imperial, Denzong Cinema, Bajra Cinema, INOX Gangtok, and multiple halls in Siliguri such as Cinema City Centre, Vega Circle, Agropolis, and South City.

It is scheduled to release next week in New Delhi, Assam, and other regions. Advance ticket sales have already begun with an enthusiastic response.

Singer Sujan Chapagain, director Chauhan, and the lead cast will be touring theatres in Darjeeling, Siliguri, Gangtok, Kurseong, and Kalimpong for fan interactions.

Aslee Production head Aven Rai, the film’s Indian distributor, thanked the Sikkim government for its support. “The encouragement shown by the Sikkim government and local community will help Nepali films grow across India. Unko Sweater is our first step, and it has already delivered a strong message,” he said.

A day earlier, thousands had gathered at MG Road, Gangtok for the ‘Unko Sweater Evening’, where Nepali actors and singer Sujan Chapagain’s live performance electrified the atmosphere.

Released in Nepal on Baisakh 26, Unko Sweater ran for 51 days in nearly 40 theatres, becoming one of the most talked-about films of the year.

Directed and written by Naveen Chauhan, the film earned widespread praise for its emotional storytelling, powerful performances, and soulful music.

It collected around Rs 12 crore in Nepal, ranking among the year’s biggest hits.

The team hopes to replicate the same success in the Indian market.

The film stars Bipin Karki, Miruna Magar, Alex Paras, Pariksha Limbu, Wilson Bikram Rai, Bhawana Khapangi Magar, and Sunil Pokharel. Music is by Kovid Bajra and cinematography by Chintan Raj Bhandari, with editing and colour grading by Krishna Bhandari.