Chino
Basic Information
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Title: Chino (चिनो)
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Release Year: 1989
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Language: Nepali
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Genre: Action, Family Drama, Revenge
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Director: Tulsi Ghimire
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Writer: Tulsi Ghimire
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Producer: Shrawan Ghimire
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Production House: Kanchenjunga Films
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Main Cast: Shiva Shrestha, Bhuwan K.C., Sunil Thapa, Kristi Mainali, Sharmila Malla, Tulsi Ghimire
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Music Composer: Ranjit Gazmer
Introduction
Chino is regarded as a milestone film in Nepali cinematic history. Directed by Tulsi Ghimire, one of Nepal’s most celebrated filmmakers, Chino redefined what a mainstream commercial Nepali film could be, delivering a blend of action, melodrama, family values, and memorable music.
The film’s success turned it into a cultural phenomenon in the late 1980s and early 1990s and remains one of the highest-grossing Nepali films of all time (adjusted for inflation).
Plot Summary
Chino is a revenge drama centered on two brothers who are separated in childhood after a tragic attack on their family. Their mother, played by Sharmila Malla, is left grieving and embarks on a life of hardship.
The villain, Rate Kaila (Sunil Thapa), kills their father and seeks to eliminate the rest of the family. As the brothers grow up separately — one as a humble villager (Shiva Shrestha) and the other as a city man (Bhuwan K.C.) — they are unaware of their blood relation.
Fate brings them back together as adults, leading to a powerful climax involving justice, family reunion, and the downfall of evil.
Cast and Characters
| Actor | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Shiva Shrestha | Elder brother | Strong, silent hero with rural roots |
| Bhuwan K.C. | Younger brother | Charismatic, modern man unaware of his past |
| Sunil Thapa | Rate Kaila | One of Nepal’s most iconic villains |
| Sharmila Malla | The mother | Symbol of sacrifice and suffering |
| Kristi Mainali | Female lead | Romantic interest of Bhuwan K.C.’s character |
| Tulsi Ghimire | Supporting role | Comedic and philosophical side character |
Themes and Symbolism
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Revenge and Justice: Central to the film’s dramatic arc.
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Family Bonds: Explores mother-child love, sibling connection, and the pain of separation.
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Good vs. Evil: Classic conflict between righteousness and tyranny.
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Fate and Karma: Reinforces the belief in destiny and moral consequences.
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Rural vs. Urban Identity: Subtle contrast in values and upbringing.
Music and Songs
Chino features a legendary soundtrack composed by Ranjit Gazmer, with songs that became evergreen classics in Nepali music history.
Evergreen Songs from Chino:
| Song Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Mohani Lagla Hai | Romantic and melodious; still a favorite in Nepali playlists |
| Yespali Dashain Ma | Dashain festival anthem; played across Nepal every year |
| Ma Ta Laligurans Bhayechu | Emotional ballad expressing identity and sacrifice |
These songs contributed massively to the film’s popularity and continue to resonate decades later.
Reception and Legacy
Critical Reception
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Praised for its tight screenplay, engaging storytelling, and emotional performances.
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Recognized for elevating the technical and narrative standard of Nepali films at the time.
Box Office
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One of the highest-grossing films in Nepal’s history.
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Ran for over 100 days in multiple theaters — a record at the time.
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Massively successful in both urban and rural areas.
Audience Impact
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Became a multi-generational favorite.
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Fans still recall scenes and dialogues as iconic.
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Cemented Tulsi Ghimire and Shiva Shrestha as legends in the industry.
Trivia and Fun Facts
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Chino was inspired by themes seen in Bollywood classics like Sholay and Yaadon Ki Baaraat, but adapted with a uniquely Nepali soul.
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Rate Kaila, played by Sunil Thapa, is considered one of the greatest villains in Nepali film history.
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The film helped popularize the revenge-drama genre in Nepal.
Conclusion
Chino is not just a film — it is a cornerstone of Nepali cinema. With its gripping story of family, revenge, and justice, unforgettable music, and legendary characters, Chino became a cultural and cinematic landmark.
It continues to inspire filmmakers and entertain audiences more than three decades after its release. For any fan of Nepali film history, Chino is essential viewing.