‘Lalibazar’ Created as a Social Responsibility: Rabindra Singh Baniya

Kathmandu. The film ‘Lalibazar,’ produced under the banner of Shatkon Arts, is set to be released nationwide from Baisakh 18. The production team stated that the film, which was primarily shot in the Rajapur area of the Bardiya district in Western Nepal, covers historical and social realities.

The film stars Swastima Khadka, Rabindra Singh Baniya, Samaira Thapa, Mukunda Kumar Shrestha, Abhay Baral, Asha Poudel, Govinda Sunar, Abha Aryal, Tara Sharma, Ramesh Wadi, and Saraswati Adhikari, among others.

‘Lalibazar’ is a period film based on the story of the Wadi community in Western Nepal and the social, economic, and cultural pain they have endured. Covering the period from 2043 BS to 2058 BS, the film attempts to depict the inequalities existing in society at that time, the misuse of power, and the injustice faced by vulnerable communities.

According to the film's plot, the story centers on the exploitation of women in the Wadi community, the control exerted through traditional practices like ‘Nathi,’ and the influence of the local ruling class. In particular, the struggle of a mother to protect her daughter from such an oppressive environment is the main story of the film.

Actor Rabindra Singh Baniya stated that ‘Lalibazar’ was created not just for entertainment but as a social responsibility. He said, “‘Lalibazar’ is a period film based on the stories and suffering of the Wadi community in Western Nepal. The social structure of that time was very complex. 

Individuals with economic strength and access to power were in a position to pressure and exploit vulnerable communities. The tradition called ‘Nathi’ showed a tendency to treat women as property. The film presents the story of a mother fighting against society and power to save her daughter from such a situation.”

He mentioned that within that environment, the main plot revolves around a mother's struggle against society and authority to save her daughter from oppressive circumstances. Baniya himself portrays a character related to the influential landlord class. According to him, ‘Lalibazar’ is a film produced with a sense of social obligation rather than just for entertainment.

“Through this film, we have tried to respectfully present the pain and reality experienced by that community,” he said. He informed that during the production of the film, the team visited various places to conduct studies, research, and interaction with the local community to prepare the story. 

He noted that while previous films covered light-hearted subjects, a serious and sensitive topic was chosen this time. He stated that because the film is inspired by events and environments that occurred at different times, it was produced with even more responsibility.

He said, “We didn't make the film just from a commercial perspective. This is also our social responsibility. Our objective is also to give respect and a ‘tribute’ to those who endured such pain. 

Therefore, we have prepared the story by conducting research in various places and getting close to the community. In previous films, we raised light subjects, but this time we have worked on a sensitive and serious matter. Since the film is inspired by true events and environments, it has been produced with more responsibility.”

The production side announced that ‘Lalibazar’ will come before the audience starting Baisakh 18. Due to its unique storyline based on social reality, the film is expected to draw the audience's attention. 

Filmed in Rajapur, Bardiya, the movie features performances by Swastima Khadka, Rabindra Singh Baniya, Samaira Thapa, Mukunda Kumar Shrestha, Abhay Baral, Prem Pandey, Pradip Dhakal, Asha Poudel, Govinda Sunar, Abha Aryal, Tara Sharma, Ramesh Wadi, Saraswati Adhikari, Janaki Kathayat, Nischal Panthi, Birbal Chaudhary, and others.

Bishal Devkota and Prasansha Subedi are making their debuts through this film. Bishal is an artist working as an actor and director in theater, while Prasansha is popular as a Gen-Z actress. Written and directed by Yam Thapa, the screenplay and dialogues of ‘Lalibazar’ were jointly prepared by Director Thapa and Director Pradip Bhattarai. The film's trailer has been released via Shatkon Arts' YouTube channel.

Pradip Bhattarai is the executive producer, while Max Dipesh Khatri and Rabindra Singh Baniya are the producers. 

The film features JB Ruwali as creative director, Samrat Basnet as conflict director, Sushan Prajapati as director of photography, Mitradev Gurung as editor, Rupak Pratap Adhikari as production head, Renish Phago as colorist, Sameer Shrestha and Satyam Rana for VFX, Rohit Shakya and Shailesh Shrestha for background music and mixing, Umesh Chaudhary as art director, Royal Bhimsen (Trident) as publicity designer, CP Jaisi as media coordinator, Janaki Kadayat as costume designer and stylist, Kavya Thapa for makeup, and music by Prakash Saput, Khem Century, and Jayan J Waiba.