'Lalibazar' Gains Momentum Despite Controversies: Families Flock to Theaters

Can families watch 'Lalibazar'? This question was on many people's minds because the film is set against the backdrop of the Badi community and tells the story of a mother and daughter. There were concerns that the film might contain provocative or flamboyant scenes and dialogue. However, the Censor Board gave it a Universal certificate.

This means it is suitable for everyone, from children to the elderly. With this, the perception many had toward the film changed. Audiences became convinced that the film is indeed something all family members can sit together and watch.

The questions raised by the public trailer and posters have been resolved by the audiences watching the film. Three generations of the same family have been seen together in theaters. Mothers are coming with their children, while daughters are bringing their mothers.

They come to the hall with excitement and return with satisfaction. Because families have trusted it, the shows the film is receiving are currently housefull. Specifically, groups of 5 to 7 and up to 17 members of a single family have reached the theaters to watch the film.

Audiences have loved Swastima Khadka’s performance as a mother and her struggle to educate her daughter. The film proves the fact that a mother can fight any battle for her child.

Along with Swastima, audiences have praised child actor Samaira Thapa, Rabindra Singh Baniya in a negative (villain) role, Abhay Raj Baral as the character Haija, and debut actors Bishal Devkota and Prashansa Subedi. During hall visits, audiences have been calling Bishal by his character name, Narayan. They are praising him, saying they want a person as beautiful and well-behaved as the character he portrayed.

Audiences have also given love to Prashansa’s character, Maharani, who is seen in a talented and polite role. Those watching the film have praised the roles of these two. Viewers have lauded it as a complete family film. Produced by Max Dipesh Khatri with Pradip Bhattarai as executive producer, 'Lalibazar' is directed by Yam Thapa.

Despite being surrounded by controversy and criticism from all sides, the momentum of the Swastima Khadka starrer 'Lalibazar' at the box office has not stopped. The occupancy, number of shows, and earnings show an increase mid-week compared to the first weekend.

According to producer Max Dipesh Khatri, the film has earned a nationwide gross of 24 million rupees by Wednesday, the sixth day of its release. However, the official box office data from the Film Development Board is yet to arrive.

“After attacks and obstructions from all sides, our film is earning excellently in theaters. It is earning double in the later days compared to the start,” said producer Khatri. “It is doing well on weekdays compared to the first weekend. The number of viewers is increasing.”

The producer says that the film, which was released nationwide with 188 shows, has around 250 shows as of Thursday. “We hope it will be good in the second weekend as well,” says Khatri. “I might have asked 200 people; among them, even if two gave weak feedback, the rest had tears in their eyes. Even men started crying after watching the film.”

Khatri says 9,000 to 10,000 viewers watched the film on Friday. He stated that 16,000 viewers watched it on the second day, 17,000 on Tuesday, and 21,000 on Wednesday. “Audience occupancy is on the rise,” he added.

'Lalibazar' director and writer Yam Thapa said that the speculations made about the film would be cleared after watching it. He said that the film can be enjoyed comfortably with the whole family.

The film 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 Badi, Saraswati Adhikari, Janaki Kadayat, Nischal Panthi, and Birbal Chaudhary, among others.

Bishal Devkota and Prashansa Subedi are making their debut through this film. Bishal is a theater actor and director, while Prashansa is known as a Gen-Z activist. Based on a story by director Yam Thapa, the screenplay and dialogue of 'Lalibazar' were jointly prepared by Thapa and Pradip Bhattarai. 

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