KATHMANDU, March 27: A pregnant woman, dressed in traditional attire and standing at a doorway, gazes into the distance—the first poster of Lalibazar offers a glimpse into a world rarely shown on screen. The trailer and its songs have drawn audience attention following their release.
Leading the film is Swastima Khadka, who plays a Badi woman in the upcoming release from Shatkon Arts. Set for release on May 1 (Baisakh 18), the film is based on a mother-daughter story set within the life of a Badi woman navigating hardship, identity, and resilience.
Swastima Khadka plays Madhuwala—a role she describes as a turning point in her career. “This is a film that will define me as an actor for years,” she said. For the role, Khadka underwent an audition process—her first in a decade-long career—and traveled to Bardiya to understand the character’s lived reality.
Experts call for more initiatives to achieve SDGs on safe mothe...
The film is directed by Yam Thapa, based on his original story, with screenplay support from Pradip Bhattarai. The collaboration emerged during discussions on a different Tarai-based project. “When I shared this story, we all felt it had to be told,” Thapa said. Bhattarai added, “We were looking for a fresh narrative, and this story offered both authenticity and emotional depth.”
Producer Max Dipesh Khatri said the team conducted field research due to limited documented information on the Badi community. “We wanted to tell a story that the community itself can feel proud of,” he said, emphasizing the film’s social responsibility.
Actor Rabindra Singh Baniya appears in a negative role, portraying a feudal oppressor. He said the character was difficult to embody. “If it was challenging for me to portray, I can only imagine what people in such situations have endured,” he said.
The cast also includes Abaya Baral, Govinda Sunar, Asha Poudel and Samaira Thapa in key roles. Newcomers Bishal Devkota, active in theater, and Prashamsa Subedi, a Gen Z content creator, make their film debuts with Lalibazar. “It’s a huge opportunity to begin my film journey with such a meaningful story." Devkota said. Subedi added, “The workshops and guidance from the team helped me grow and understand the craft better.”
The film blends social realism with commercial elements. Songs such as “Mayalai Ke Diu Ma Baina,” along with “Mitho Sansar” and “Mai Ramri Chhu Ta Ni,” have been released ahead of the film.
For Shatkon Arts, known for films such as Jatra and Mahapurush, Lalibazar focuses on a socially rooted narrative centered on a marginalized community.
