Kathmandu, 4 May: Actor Bipin Karki has said that Woolen Sweater is a film he will remember for years to come.
Speaking at a press conference held today at Star Mall in Putalisadak, Karki shared that when he looks back at his work in the future, Woolen Sweater and the character he portrayed, Dharanidhar Kafle, will stand out.
He said, “I cannot comment on the film’s commercial outcome, but the subject we raised and the way it was made make this a film that will last for years. For the new generation, it will also serve as a document of rural life. It is one of the top five films I consider my best.”
Karki also highlighted some of his previous films—Jatra, Hari, Naaka, and Selfie King—and the characters he played in them. He emphasized that more than their commercial success, it was their artistic value that attracted him.
“The reason I consider those films special is because of the characters and themes. Whether you watch them now or five years later, they still feel fresh. The characters connect with the audience easily,” Karki explained.
He also revealed that the film portrays the story of an inter-caste love relationship between a Gurung girl and a Kafle Brahmin boy. Actress Miruna Magar plays opposite Karki in the film. She said that from the very first narration by director Navin Chauhan, she felt a deep connection with the character.
“I was already impressed by Chauhan’s earlier musical visuals. When he offered me the role, he played a snippet of a song connected to my character and the setting. Right then, I decided to take the role because the script immediately pulled me into the film’s world,” Magar said.
She plays a character named Phool, who, according to her, speaks her mind freely without considering the consequences. “This character is the opposite of who I am in real life. At first, I was nervous, but working with Bipin Karki helped me learn many aspects of acting. Since I left Nepal at a young age, I never got to understand rural life deeply. But through this role, I got to experience and appreciate various arts and cultures and connect with them through the character,” she added.
Director Navin Chauhan said that the film is as soft and gentle as its title suggests. “The title Woolen Sweater came from my deep connection with the story. I’ve tried to bring a world I had imagined to life on screen. I thought of this story four years ago, and now the film is finally being released,” he said.
Chauhan also shared that his earlier work with musical visual storytelling inspired him to move into film direction. “I’ve come to understand that films are very different from music videos. That’s why I’ve done my best according to what the medium demands,” he noted.
The film showcases the natural beauty and culture of eastern Nepal, particularly from the Panchthar district where it was shot. Alongside Karki and Magar, the cast includes Pariksha Limbu, Wilson Bikram Rai, Sunil Pokharel, Maotse Gurung, and Prem Subba.
According to the production team, Woolen Sweater will be released in Nepal and internationally on Baisakh 26 (around May 8, 2025).
