KATHMANDU, May 15: Despite being at the center of controversy and criticism, Lalibazar continues to gain momentum at the box office. The Swastima Khadka-starrer has not only sustained its theatrical run but has also seen a steady rise in occupancy, show count and earnings during weekdays compared to its opening weekend.
According to producer Max Dipesh Khatri, the film had grossed Rs 24 million nationwide by Wednesday, its sixth day in theaters. The official box office figures from the Film Development Board, however, are yet to be released.
“Despite attacks and obstruction from all sides, our film is doing exceptionally well in theaters. The earnings in recent days have doubled compared to the opening,” Khatri said. “The weekdays have been stronger than the first weekend itself. Audience numbers are steadily increasing.”
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Released nationwide with 188 shows, the film’s show count has reportedly climbed to around 250 by Thursday. Khatri said the team remains optimistic about the second weekend as well.
He claimed that around 9,000 to 10,000 viewers watched the film on Friday, while the number rose to 16,000 on the second day, 17,000 on Tuesday and 21,000 on Wednesday. “Audience occupancy is clearly on the rise,” he said.
Director and writer Yam Thapa said the assumptions and speculation surrounding the film would fade once audiences watched it. He also described the movie as suitable for family viewing.
The film stars Swastima Khadka, Rabindra Singh Baniya, Samaira Thapa, Mukunda Kumar Shrestha, Abaya Baral, Prem Pandey, Pradip Dhakal, Asha Poudel, Govinda Sunar, Abha Aryal, Tara Sharma, Ramesh Badi, Saraswati Adhikari, Janaki Kadayat, Nishchal Panthi and Birbal Chaudhary, among others.
The film also marks the debut of Bishal Devkota and Prashamsa Subedi. Directed and written by Yam Thapa, the screenplay and dialogues were co-written by Thapa and Pradip Bhattarai. Pradip Bhattarai serves as the executive producer, while Max Dipesh Khatri and Rabindra Singh Baniya are the producers.
