KATHMANDU, April 17: The trailer of the film Lalibazar, produced by Shatkon Arts, has been released, offering a glimpse into a poignant mother–daughter story. Unveiled at an event in Kathmandu on Friday, the film stars Swastima Khadka in the lead role.
Swastima plays a woman from the Badi community. The trailer also features Rabindra Singh Baniya, Mukunda Kumar Shrestha, child artist Samaira Thapa, and debut actors Prashamsa Subedi and Bishal Devkota.
Swastima said the film portrays a mother’s struggle and success. “Lalibazar has become a very special film for me. It is one that will be remembered for a long time. I am excited to lead this story and present a mother’s journey,” she said.
Rabindra said the film explores multiple dimensions of a woman’s life. “At its core, it is a mother–daughter story portraying compulsion, trust, struggle, and success,” he said.
Worth of stories
Shatkon Arts—comprising producer Max Dipesh Khatri, Rabindra, and director Pradip Bhattarai—has previously produced films such as Jatra, Jatrai Jatra, Mahapurush, and Mahajatra. For Lalibazar, Pradip has handed over direction to Yam Thapa.
“The story was brought by Thapa himself, so we believed he was the right person to shape it,” said executive producer Pradip.
Director Yam, known for films such as Rajja Rani, Hurray, and Meri Mamu, said the project emerged during discussions on making a Terai-based film. “I shared a story about a mother, and within days we were confident to move forward. That is how Lalibazar began,” he said.
Pradip later proposed the film’s title during a location visit, which was unanimously accepted.
Yam said the film reflects a mother–daughter relationship within the Badi community. “It portrays a layer of our society and will encourage audiences to reflect on social issues,” he said.
The songs Mayalai Ke Diu Ma Baina and Mitho Sansar have gained popularity across digital platforms.
Lalibazar is scheduled for release on May 1, 2026 (Baisakh 18, 2083 BS). Shot in Rajapur, Bardiya, the film features Swastima, Rabindra, Samaira, Mukunda, and others.
Bishal and Prashamsa make their debut through the film.
Written and directed by Yam, the film’s screenplay and dialogues are co-developed with Pradip. The trailer has been released via Shatkon Arts’ official YouTube channel.
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