Maha Jodi Praises ‘Lalibazaar,’ Swastima’s Acting Applauded

Kathmandu. Celebrities and activists from the Badi community who watched the film ‘Lalibazaar’ at its premier show have praised the movie, which released across Nepal today, Baisakh 25. At the grand premiere held on Thursday evening on the eve of its release, the Maha Jodi—Madan Krishna Shrestha and Hari Bansha Acharya—praised the subject matter, direction, and performances after watching the film.

Actor Madan Krishna Shrestha described ‘Lalibazaar’ as a perfect film. He said, "This film is excellent in every aspect; a Nepali story has been presented very well on screen. The emotional relationship between a mother and daughter is portrayed beautifully. On a scale of 1 to 10, this film deserves a 10."

He further lauded the production team's courage in choosing such a subject. Actor Hari Bansha Acharya remarked that the film is entertaining while carrying a social message. "The film is extremely good; I can't find enough words to praise it. It is among the best films I have ever seen," Acharya said.

Filmmakers present at the premiere praised the storyline along with actress Swastima Khadka's performance. Her role in the film moved the audience to tears. Dinesh DC, Chairman of the Film Development Board, stated that Swastima has once again proven her acting caliber and noted that the production company Shatkon Arts has made a great film.

"Swastima is always in the spotlight for her acting skills, and this time she has raised her stature even higher. Anyone who watches this film will be moved to tears, be assured. In our language, this film will run 'babal' (superbly)," Chairman DC said.

He expressed confidence that the film would win the hearts of the audience. Former Minister Sumana Shrestha, who attended the screening, said the film depicts social discrimination and the necessary steps against it in a cinematic style that everyone can understand.

"Shatkon Arts has been making films on social issues, and this time their choice of subject feels even more mature. Both the good and bad aspects of our society are shown clearly. I believe those who come to watch this film will leave having learned and understood something," Shrestha said.

Leader Rabindra Mishra stated that ‘Lalibazaar’ artistically and powerfully portrays a cruel and painful period of discrimination in Nepali society. He said, "I didn't understand why Lalibazaar was brought into controversy. It speaks of rebellion through art. This is a story of a mother and her struggle for her daughter. This film respects the audience's time and money, giving them something meaningful as they leave the theater."

Badi community activist Devisara Badi said the film’s subject reminded her of her mother’s struggles. She said, "This film is also my story. My mother also struggled to educate me; I saw my mother while watching the film. This is a film every mother and daughter should watch. It is a film that women from every community can feel proud of."

Director and actor Nischal Basnet said the subject shown in the film would touch any viewer’s heart. "I liked the film more than I expected because the buzz had already raised my expectations. Even as a pure movie, it is entertaining, and the message it gives is very important. It is necessary for this message to reach as many viewers as possible," Basnet said.

Actors Anup Bikram Shahi, Mahesh Tripathi, Gauri Malla, Garima Sharma, Teria Magar, and others who left the premiere also shared that the film’s theme touched their hearts.

‘Lalibazaar’ director and writer Yam Thapa said he is excited by the feedback the film has received. "I am very encouraged by the reactions from the filmmakers who were the first audience. It has been released publicly in theaters across Nepal from today. I am fully confident that those who watch it will like it," he said.

The film stars Swastima Khadka, Rabindra Singh Baniya, Samaira Thapa, Mukunda Kumar Shrestha, Abhay Baral, Prem Pandey, Pradeep Dhakal, Asha Poudel, Gobinda Sunar, Abha Aryal, Tara Sharma, Ramesh Wadi, Saraswati Adhikari, Janaki Kadayat, Nischal Panthi, and Birbal Chaudhary.

Bishal Devkota and Prasansha Subedi are making their debut with this film. Bishal is a theater actor and director, while Prasansha is known as a Gen-Z activist. 

The screenplay and dialogues for ‘Lalibazaar,’ based on a story by Yam Thapa, were jointly prepared by Thapa and Pradeep Bhattarai. Pradeep Bhattarai is the executive producer, while Max Dipesh Khatri and Rabindra Singh Baniya are the producers.