Unko Sweater, a Nepali feature film, attempts to navigate the delicate terrain of inter-caste love, exploring how affection, sacrifice, and commitment redefine romantic relationships in a socially stratified society.
At the heart of the film is Dharanidhar Kafle, played with restraint by Bipin Karki, a skilled mason making a modest living by building houses. His world is turned upside down when his younger brother, Dambar (portrayed by Alex Pars), an ardent fan of actor Dilip Rayamajhi, elopes with Angdembe, a young woman from the Limbu community (played by Pariksha Limbu).
This impulsive act sparks outrage within the Angdembe clan, who collectively decide to blacklist the Kafles — refusing to offer any construction work to Dharanidhar. Suddenly isolated, Dharanidhar finds himself haunted by memories of his own inter-caste love story with Phoolmaya Gurung (Miruna Magar). Though their bond was strong, its fate was uncertain — a past that continues to echo in his present.
The film revolves around this community tension and the emotional consequences of forbidden love. As the two runaway lovers return to their village, the central question becomes whether their families — and society — will accept them. At the same time, Dharanidhar is forced to confront his own history and find a way to resolve the crisis brought on by his brother’s actions.
Director Navin Chauhan interweaves multiple narratives — perhaps too many. While Dharanidhar and Phoolmaya’s love story is the emotional core of the film, the inclusion of secondary characters and parallel subplots sometimes stretches the film thin, making the pacing feel sluggish in parts.
Yet, Chauhan deserves praise for his evocative portrayal of rural life. Vignettes such as chasing a rooster, knitting by lantern light, autograph rituals, a Dalit family’s hut,