Internationally Acclaimed Film Shape of Momo Premieres in Sikkim Ahead of Release
Gangtok, May 28 (IPR): The grand premiere of the much-awaited feature film Shape of Momo, written and directed by Sikkim’s own Tribeny Rai, was held this evening at Vajra Cinema Hall in Gangtok.
The premiere was graced by Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang as the chief guest, accompanied by Madam Krishna Kumari Rai.
Also present on the occasion were Deputy Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Ms Raj Kumari Thapa, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Mayor, Councillors, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Press Advisor to the Chief Minister, Press Secretary to the Chief Minister, Chairpersons, Advisors, other dignitaries and officials, along with artists and guests from Sikkim and Nepal.
Addressing the gathering before the screening, director Tribeny Rai shared the personal inspiration behind Shape of Momo, stating that the film emerged from her own lived experiences and observations as someone raised in a family of daughters.
She reflected on how society often measures lineage and legacy through patriarchal expectations, and how such questions quietly shape the lives of women across generations.
An alumnus of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Ms Rai also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and Madam Krishna Kumari Rai for continuously encouraging artists and filmmakers from Sikkim and for helping create a respectful and dignified ecosystem for the creative community to flourish.
Speaking about the recognition the film has received, she remarked that while the support of prominent names in Indian cinema has been invaluable, she hopes her work will gradually enable audiences to recognise and trust the strength of storytelling emerging from the hills through her own identity as a filmmaker.
The Chief Minister later felicitated the artists, cast and crew associated with the film in recognition of their contribution to cinema and the arts.
“Shape of Momo”, directed by Tribeny Rai, offers a sincere and emotionally observant portrayal of life, identity, and womanhood in the Himalayan region. The film stands out for its quiet confidence and its ability to tell a deeply local story with universal emotional relevance.
It revolves around the journey of a woman who quits her job and returns to her hometown to start something fresh.
Rather than relying on dramatic excess, the film takes a restrained and realistic approach to storytelling.
Through everyday conversations, silences, family dynamics, and personal struggles, Shape of Momo explores themes of belonging, expectations, migration, and the emotional realities faced by women within changing social environments.
One of the strongest aspects of the film is its authenticity. The characters feel lived-in and believable, and the performances carry a natural warmth that allows audiences to connect with the story on a personal level.
The film does not attempt to romanticise either village life or modernity; instead, it honestly reflects the tensions between tradition, aspiration, responsibility, and individual freedom.
The title Shape of Momo itself works as a subtle metaphor throughout the narrative, reflecting ideas of identity, social expectations, and the invisible moulds people are often expected to fit into.
Actor-producer Rana Daggubati is actively involved in the project, with his company Spirit Media handling the distribution of the film across India and Nepal.
The film is produced by Geeta Rai and Kislay, while noted Indian filmmakers Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti and Payal Kapadia have come on board as executive producers, helping bring the film to a wider audience.
Prior to its official release, Shape of Momo has already garnered 15 international awards across various film festivals.
The film, under the banner of Dalle Khursani Productions, is all set for its theatrical release on 29th May 2026 across India and Nepal.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK