Gunyo Cholo: The Dress is set to release nationwide in Nepal on August 29, 2025, through leading distributor Apple Entertainment, with an international rollout to follow, including a planned U.S. release in Fall 2025. Quietly building momentum, the film has already gained attention for its moving portrayal of personal struggle, resilience, and the power of storytelling to unite.
Gunyo Cholo echoes the emotional depth of films like Moonlight and Boys Don’t Cry through its intimate exploration of identity and personal truth. While deeply rooted in Nepali culture, the film speaks to universal experiences—inviting empathy without agenda. It is not made for one specific community, but for all audiences to experience with open hearts. With a character-driven narrative, raw realism, and a visual style inspired by world cinema, Gunyo Cholo marks a bold evolution in Nepali filmmaking.
The story follows Gulabi (Najir Husen), who first appears as Dev, a young boy coming of age under the strict expectations of his proud, traditional military family. Dev is groomed to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a career in the military, but when he finds the courage to defy that path and embrace his true self, he is disowned. Cast out for rejecting his father’s dream, Dev finds refuge in a compassionate transgender community that not only accepts him but helps him transform, offering him a new name: “Gulabi.” As he navigates the conflict between who he’s told to be and who he truly is, his journey becomes one of rejection, resilience, and ultimately, self-acceptance. Rather than making a political statement, Gunyo Cholo offers a deeply human story that transcends borders, using authenticity and emotional honesty to connect with audiences worldwide.
Directed by rising filmmaker Samundra Bhatta, the film blends cultural authenticity with deep emotional resonance. “This story isn’t just about identity, it’s about being human,” says Bhatta. “We wanted people to watch it and forget it’s from Nepal. I hope audiences, wherever they’re from, can watch this film with empathy and come away with a deeper understanding, not just of the character’s journey, but of their own capacity to connect across differences.
The film made its international debut in late 2024 at the Tasveer Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying platform celebrated for championing underrepresented voices. Since then, Gunyo Cholo has continued to build momentum, earning support from global audiences, film organizations, and advocacy groups across a wide spectrum of communities and backgrounds.
One of the film’s standout elements is its original score by award-winning composer Marcello De Francisci and Golden Globe-winning and Grammy Award nominated vocalist Lisa Gerrard (Gladiator and The Whale Rider), whose haunting voice adds a powerful emotional layer. Air-Edel Records, the prestigious U.K. label behind soundtracks for The King’s Speech and The Danish Girl, will release the score globally alongside the film’s international rollout.
Acclaimed Cambodian director Rithy Panh, an Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee, serves as executive producer. His involvement affirms the film’s significance as both a regional milestone and a globally resonant story, an act of artistic solidarity that elevates the film’s themes of truth, resilience, and dignity into a universal conversation.
“Most importantly,” Bhatta adds, “this film has the potential to open minds. After experiencing this movie, the audience will undoubtedly gain a fresh perspective on individual identity struggles. Ultimately, we hope this film can inspire unity, acceptance and compassion on this universal subject, offering a hopeful vision for the future.”
Gunyo Cholo: The Dress is Produced by V. Vansay Zanubon p.g.a. and Aakash Budhathoki p.g.a., with executive producers Rithy Panh, Steven Johnston, and Jeffrey J. Waine, and presented by Sabsung Studios, in co- production with Sky Ocean Entertainment, Vzion Entertainment, and Anupheap Production. The original soundtrack will be released globally by Air-Edel Records.
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