Badi Community Praises 'Lalibazar' for Portraying Their Struggles

The Badi community has praised the film 'Lalibazar', produced by Shatkon Arts, stating that it portrays their story. Devisara Badi mentioned that since the film's main story revolves around a mother and daughter, there is no subject or context in the film that hurts the sentiments or insults the Badi community. During a joint press conference organized in Kathmandu on Monday, Saradevi stated that she would show the film to the women of her organization.

She said, "We have already watched the film. We had objections to a few words, which the production team removed, and we are grateful for that. This story or the film Lalibazar has not done anything to hurt the sentiments of our community. Instead, it shows the story of our struggle and rebellion. It has further encouraged us to fight for our rights."

She mentioned that through the film, one can see the story of a mother who inspires her to fight for herself. Similarly, Hikmat Badi, known as an activist for the Badi community, clarified after watching the film that there is no intention in 'Lalibazar' to hurt the community's sentiments.

He said, "This is a story of a mother from the Terai. After removing the words we objected to, there is no reason to object to or stop the film. It is time for us to raise our voices against the exploitation we faced; we are already raising it on the streets. Our voice of protest is beginning to be heard through the medium of art in the film as well; I don't think there is anything bad in this."

He stated that the struggle of a mother to save her child from rulers and exploiters would give Badi women, as well as women from other communities, the strength to fight against injustice. Rama Badi remarked that until a hidden wound is shown, a doctor cannot treat it.

"We didn't come with the intention of watching a film; we went to Singha Durbar to ask why the agreement made with our government was not implemented. After finding out there that a film had been made on our community's story, we watched it. We have already given our opinion. This film is basically a story of a mother and daughter. The fight a mother, exploited by rulers, puts up for her daughter is an inspiration for all of us. This is our mother's story, who fought for us," she said.

Similarly, Padam Rana Badi, Ramesh Gandharba Badi, and others who participated in the press conference also stated that they had watched the film and there were no scenes or dialogues objectionable to the community.

Additionally, based on opinions and suggestions, the Central Film Censor Committee has already passed 'Lalibazar' with a 'Universal' certificate, making it suitable for everyone to watch. Prior to 'Lalibazar', the film 'Pandit Bajeko Lauri' and two novels 'Nathiya' and 'Aelani' based on the story of the Badi community have already been released and published. 

Since it has been passed by the Censor Board, it can be easily understood that this film does not perform actions such as hurting the dignity, honor, and self-respect of the Badi community or people of any caste, religion, color, region, or sect, nor does it create hatred, malice, or enmity towards anyone or spread communal ill-will.

A statement issued on Tuesday by Uday Kumar Ingnam, President of the Nepal Film Producers Association, mentioned that film is not just a tool for entertainment but a powerful medium for freedom of thought and expression. The association holds that creating obstacles when a film, produced with an investment of millions of rupees and years of hard work by hundreds of technicians and artists, is in its final preparation for release, puts the entire industry in doubt.

The statement noted that filing a writ in court when the 'Central Film Censor Committee', a legitimate state body, has already given permission for screening, weakens the morale of independent investors and creators.

"Starting a writ process with the intention of stopping or affecting the film just before its release risks weakening the confidence of investors and stifling creativity," the statement said.

The association expressed full loyalty to the rule of law and the judiciary and demanded an end to the trend of restricting or obstructing creation. Keeping in mind the essence of the film, security of investment, and freedom of expression, the association has requested the court and all concerned parties to create an environment where 'Lalibazar' can be screened without hindrance. The release date of the film is scheduled for the upcoming May 1st.