Swastima Khadka breaks down at ‘Lalibazar’ premiere
As the film ended, the auditorium erupted in applause and cheers, leaving producers and cast members visibly overwhelmed.
KATHMANDU: The film Lalibazar has finally reached theatres after a turbulent legal journey that kept it in uncertainty for nearly two weeks.
The film faced a lawsuit that led the High Court Patan to issue a short-term interim order halting its release.
The case saw one hearing being postponed, while members of the film’s cast and crew staged a silent demonstration in support of freedom of expression.
Eventually, on Wednesday, the court lifted the restriction, paving the way for its nationwide release.
Following the verdict, Lalibazar hit theatres on Friday. Ahead of its release, a grand premiere was held on Thursday at QFX Civil Mall in Kathmandu, drawing a strong turnout of filmmakers, artists, and public figures.
The screening turned highly emotional. As the film ended, the auditorium erupted in applause and cheers, leaving producers and cast members visibly overwhelmed.
Lead actress Swastima Khadka appeared excited throughout the event, but became emotional after receiving praise from senior artists including Hari Bansha Acharya and Gauri Malla.
She was seen covering her face and repeatedly wiping tears with a tissue as she struggled to contain her emotions.
Actress and model Garima Sharma also broke down in tears after watching the film.
Hugging Swastima, she said she was deeply moved and could not hold back her emotions during several scenes, particularly those depicting the mother–daughter relationship.
Veteran actor Madan Krishna Shrestha praised the film highly, stating that it excelled in all aspects. “The film is outstanding in every sense. It beautifully presents a Nepali story on screen, especially the emotional bond between mother and daughter. It deserves a perfect 10 out of 10,” he said.
Chairperson of the Film Development Board, Dinesh DC, also applauded the film, saying Swastima Khadka had once again proven her acting strength and that Six Seasons Arts had delivered a strong production. “Swastima continues to impress with her performance. This film further elevates her career. It is deeply emotional and will move every viewer,” he said.
The premiere was attended by several prominent personalities, including Nischal Basnet, Niti Shah, Anjana Baraili, Anup Bikram Shahi, Laxmi Bardewa, Arun Chhetri, Mahesh Tripathi, Teriya Magar, former Education Minister Sumana Shrestha, former journalist Rabi Lamichhane, and activist Devisara Badi, among others.
Many of them praised the film’s storytelling and powerful performances.
Directed and written by Yam Thapa, Lalibazar features Swastima Khadka alongside Rabindra Singh Baniya, Samaira Thapa, Mukund Kumar Shrestha, Abhay Baral, Prem Pande, Pradeep Dhakal, Asha Paudel, Govind Sunar, Abha Aryal, Tara Sharma, Ramesh Badi, and Saraswati Adhikari. The film also marks the debut of Vishal Devkota and Prashansa Suvedi.
