The Cinema Times, Kathmandu – Director Nigam Shrestha’s ‘Viral Gorkhey’ has made a promising start, earning enthusiastic reactions at its premiere show held on Tuesday evening at Ranjana Cineplex, New Road. The cinema is all set for a nationwide release from Thursday, Magh 1, marking the festive occasion of Maghe Sankranti.

The premiere turned into a lively affair with the presence of lead casts Saugat Malla and Shristi Shrestha, whose costumes added a cultural touch to the evening. Saugat made a striking appearance in classic daura suruwal, while Shristi impressed in elegant Newari traditional attire. The premiere was graced by Pooja Sharma, Sisan Baniya, Jay Kishan Basnet, and several well-known figures from the cine industry and media who were full of praise, particularly for Nigam Shrestha’s direction and the lead actors’ performances. Director Shrestha, producers Amit Shrestha and Mahesh Lamichhane, and co-producer Subekshya Poudel were also seen interacting with guests.

Reactions after the screening were largely positive, with many attendees applauding the cinema as an engaging and well-made form with relatable message. The cinema takes a witty and satirical look at today’s obsession with going viral on social media, highlighting its impact and consequences in a relatable way. Through humor and satire, the cinema explores the result of chasing viral popularity.

Actor Pooja Sharma praised the cinema for delivering a meaningful message while keeping the audiences entertained. She shared that she had been curious about the cinema since the teaser release and was pleased to see how beautifully the story unfolded on screen. She urged the viewers to catch the cinema in theatres.

Popular vlogger and model Sisan Baniya also expressed his excitement after watching the cinema. He said that the cinema feels fresh and relevant, especially at a time when the race to go viral dominates social media. ‘It was exciting to see something new on the big screen, entertaining yet thoughtful.’

Clearly delighted by the warm responses, lead actors Saugat Malla and Shristi Shrestha thanked the team and expressed their excitement. ‘We put a lot of hard work into this cinema, and seeing such positive reactions is truly rewarding. We are hopeful audiences across the nation will connect with the cinema.’

Director Nigam Shrestha also appeared confident following the premiere. He said that if today’s response is any indication, the audiences will enjoy the cinema. Advance ticket bookings for the cinema have already opened nationwide in both multiplexes and single screen theatres.

Produced under the banner of AK Brother Company, the GMI Academy and Nirvana Film School, the cinema stars Saugat Malla, Shristi Shrestha, Buddhi Tamang, Laxmi Giri, Rajaram Paudel, Rishi Dhamala, Ravi Bhujel and Miss Pabi. The hype created by the previously released teaser, songs and trailer have resulted in a good number of shows allocation.

‘Viral Gorkhey’ is directed by Nigam Shrestha and produced by Amit Shrestha, Bishal Tamrakar, Mahesh Lamichhane and Kewal Jung Kunwar. The co-producers include Nirvana Film School, Bhuvan Adhikari and Nikhil Paudel.

Shot across Bhujung village in Lamjung, Gorkha and Chitwan, the cinema’s cinematography is handled by Amar Maharjan. Distribution is handled by Sunil Manandhar, with action direction by Shri Shrestha and editing by Bande Prasad, Ravi Chaudhary and Bhim Bishwakarma.

Catch ‘Viral Gorkhey’ in cinemas near you from Magh 1.