KATHMANDU, May 9: Since the release of its trailer, the film Lalibazar has drawn attention for portraying the story of a woman from the Badi community, sparking debate over how the marginalized group is represented on screen.
Released nationwide on April 25, the film stars Swastima Khadka as a Badi woman struggling against social exploitation while fighting to secure an education and build a better future for her child.
Badi rights activist Devisara Badi said the film closely reflected her personal experiences and reminded her of her mother’s sacrifices.
“This film is my story too. My mother also struggled to educate me,” she said. “While watching the film, I saw my own mother in it. It is a film every mother and daughter should watch.”
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She urged audiences not to judge the film based on rumours and said the community has no reason to object to its content.
Another activist, Krisha Badi, said the film portrays not only pain but also the courage and dignity of women from the community.
“The film made me feel my mother’s suffering and struggle even more deeply,” she said, adding that she became emotional while watching it.
Similarly, activist Suman Badi said she was initially skeptical due to the community’s historical portrayal in media and cinema.
“But ‘Lalibazar’ presents the struggles and achievements of women from our community with dignity,” she said. “Its core message deserves appreciation.”
Activist Yasthar Badi also expressed disappointment over legal hurdles faced by the film before release, saying it carries a strong social message of empowering daughters through education.
However, not all reactions have been positive. Some activists have expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the film approaches the community’s suffering from a commercial perspective and risks “selling the pain” of a historically marginalized group.
Directed and written by Yam Thapa, the film has also moved general audiences and celebrities, many of whom were seen leaving theatres in tears.
The cast includes Swastima Khadka, Rabindra Singh Baniya, Samaira Thapa, Mukund Kumar Shrestha, Abhaya Baral, Prem Pandey, and others. The film also marks the debut of theatre actor-director Bishal Devkota and youth activist Prashamsa Subedi.
