Kathmandu — Laalibazar finally reached its audience on Baisakh 25, releasing nationwide after a dramatic legal battle that temporarily barred its screening. The response at the premiere — attended by celebrities, filmmakers, politicians, and Badi community activists — has been overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it one of the finest Nepali films in recent memory.
Veteran comedian and cultural icon Madankrishna Shrestha did not hold back in his praise: "This film excels in every aspect. The story of Nepali life has been brought to screen beautifully. The emotional relationship between mother and daughter is portrayed with extraordinary sensitivity. On a scale of 10, this film deserves a full 10."
His longtime stage partner Haribhansa Acharya was equally moved: "The film is outstanding — words fall short to praise it. Laalibazar belongs among the best films I have ever watched."
Film Development Board Chairman Dinesh DC highlighted actress Swastima Khadka's performance as the standout element, saying she had once again proven the depth of her acting ability, while praising production company Shatkon Arts for creating a film of this quality.
Former Minister Sumana Shrestha praised the film's social courage: "Shatkon Arts has always made socially conscious films, and this time the maturity in subject selection is even more evident. The film shows both the good and the difficult aspects of our society in a way that everyone can feel and understand. Audiences will leave having learned and reflected on something meaningful."
Former journalist and political figure Rabindra Mishra was blunt about the controversy: "I do not understand why Laalibazar was brought into dispute. It speaks with artistic voice of resistance. This is a mother's story — showing a mother's struggle for her daughter. It gives audiences their time and money's worth, and sends them home with something."
Director and actor Nishchal Basnet described it as even better than his expectations: "The film is more impressive than I anticipated, partly because the controversy had raised my expectations. Even purely as cinema, it is entertaining — and the message it delivers is vitally important. That message needs to reach as many people as possible, which is why I believe everyone should watch this film."
Badi community activist Devisara Badi was visibly emotional: "This film is my story too. My mother also struggled and sacrificed to educate me. As I watched the film, I saw my mother. This is a film that every mother and daughter should watch. It is a film that women from every community can feel proud of."
Actors Anup Bikram Shahi, Mahesh Tripathi, Gauri Malla, Garima Sharma, and Teriya Magar all expressed similar sentiments — that the film had touched their hearts.
Director Yam Thapa expressed gratitude and confidence: "The response from the first audience of fellow filmmakers has made me very excited. I am fully confident that audiences who watch this film will love it."
Laalibazar stars Swastima Khadka, Rabindra Singh Baniya, Samaira Thapa, Mukunda Kumar Shrestha, Abhay Baral, Prem Pande, Pradip Dhakal, Asha Poudel, Govinda Sunar, Aabha Aryal, Tara Sharma, Ramesh Badi, Saraswati Adhikari, Janaki Kathayat, Nishchal Panthi, and Birbal Chaudhary, with Bishal Devkota and Prasangsha Subedi making their screen debuts. It is directed by Yam Thapa, produced by Max Dipesh Khatri and Rabindra Singh Baniya, with Pradip Bhattarai as executive producer under the banner of Shatkona Arts.