Bipin Karki and Miruna Magar, a still from Unko Sweater
Nepali Film ‘Unko Sweater’ is taking its winning streak across the border. After dominating the Nepali box office with over Rs 120 million in earnings, the heartfelt drama is now gearing up for a major release in India, marking one of the strongest cross-border expansions for a contemporary Nepali film this year.
The film was released in Nepal on May 09 (Baishakh 26) and sustained an impressive 51-day run in nearly 40 theatres. Produced by Artmandu, Unko Sweater will be distributed in India by Aasli Production, with the first phase of screenings beginning November 21 in key hubs with vibrant Nepali language speaking communities Darjeeling, Siliguri, Gangtok, Kurseong, Kalimpong, Assam and Delhi.
According to director Naveen Chauhan, the film has already cleared certification from India’s Film Certification Board and is now rolling out across multiple theatres: SVF Cinemas in Darjeeling, Kurseong Fantasy Cinema, Namchi Imperial Cinema, Denjong Cinema and Vajra Cinema in Gangtok, INOX Gangtok, INOX Siliguri City Center, INOX Vega Circle, INOX Agropolis and South City Siliguri. The strategy is clear to reach the heart of the Himalayan belt first, where Nepali culture and language have deep roots.
The India premiere is set for November 20 in Sikkim, one day before the release. Lead stars Bipin Karki and Alex Paras will attend, alongside Miruna Magar and other cast members, singer Sujan Chapagain and director Chauhan. Several regional celebrity artists and state-level dignitaries from Sikkim are also expected to join.
Unko Sweater has earned wide praise for its intimate portrayal of family bonds, migration, and the unspoken emotional story of Nepali life. The film features Bipin Karki and Miruna Magar in lead roles and also stars Alex Paras, Pariksha Limbu, Wilson Bikram Rai, Bhavana Khapangi Magar and Sunil Pokharel.
With lyrics by Sujan Chapagain and music composed by Kovid Bajra, the soundtrack has already gained strong traction on digital platforms. Songs from Unko Sweater especially the mellow, folk-inspired tracks have become favorites among young Nepali listeners.
Aasli Production says the film’s emotional core and cultural richness will strike a chord with Indian audiences as well. Industry watchers note that Nepali films have been finding new ground in India in recent years, particularly in regions with strong Nepali communities. The success of Unko Sweater in India could further open doors for Nepali cinema to expand its footprint.
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