KATHMANDU:- The film ‘Lalibazar’, which was released after a long period of controversy, social debate and legal battle, highlights a side of Nepali society that society often does not want to see and understand. Director Yam Thapa has artistically presented the illusion and truth woven about the women of the Badi community on screen.

Before the film was released, there were concerns and protests that it would denigrate the Badi community, but after watching the film, there is no point in that controversy. Director Thapa has not denigrated the story of the Badi woman, but has presented it in a very sensitive and message-oriented manner. Instead of hurting the Badi community, the film helps us take a closer look at their lifestyle, compulsions, and the dual nature of society.

The film centers around Madhuwala (Swastima Khadka), who is burdened with the responsibility of her sick mother and unemployed brother. Trapped in a cycle of deprivation and poverty, Madhu makes the difficult decision to sell her body to support her family. This was not her desire, but a cruel social and economic compulsion.

The story takes a new turn after the entry of Narayan Panthi (Vishal Devkota), a young Brahmin who works as a postman. Their love, which began through the words of a letter, turns into marriage, but due to the conservative society and caste pride, Narayan cannot openly accept Madhu. Eventually, Madhu is forced to return to her old settlement ‘Lalibazar’ while pregnant.

While the first part of the film revolves around love and social bonds, the second part raises serious issues. Madhu faces the harsh walls of the state and society while trying to educate her growing daughter Maharani. The film powerfully highlights the legal and social discrimination that denies citizenship to children who do not have their father’s identity.

Despite being rejected by society, the Maoist movement that began at that time opens the door to education for Madhu’s daughter, which reflects the relationship between political change and social justice. Madhu’s decision to give up her job as a sex worker and accept the labor of pounding gravel for the sake of her daughter’s future also shows the height of a mother’s sacrifice and self-respect.

In terms of acting, Swastima Khadka has proven herself to be excellent in the role of Madhuwala. She has brought the local love, body language and pain spoken by the Badi women to life on screen. Vishal Devkota has shown maturity in the role of Narayan in his first film.

He has skillfully played a dual character torn between love and society. Similarly, in the role of the villain, Rabindra Singh Baniya has left his strong impression as always. Director Thapa, with no exceptions, has depicted the daily life of the Badi community and the environment of the settlement in a very natural way. Although the pace of the film feels a bit slow towards the interval, the gripping pace and emotional depth of the story thereafter keeps the audience engaged.

Technically, Lalibazar looks strong. The work done in its cinematography and art direction is commendable. The setting of the Badi settlement, the choice of colors, and the structure of the scenes help bring the audience closer to the story. However, despite such a serious and original social theme, the film has not been able to free itself from the stylistic influence of South Indian films.

The director’s use of the same old formula style is evident in some of the works he uses to advance the story. In the context of the current Nepali cinema, which is searching for originality, this film also seems to have failed to rise above the commercial circle and create a separate ‘cinematic’ height. Despite this, the issues raised and the performances of the actors have made it an above-average film.

‘Lalibazar’ is not just a film, but a mirror of society. It inspires a change in the way we view the Badi community and a debate on the existence and citizenship rights of women. This is a great and Must-watch film for viewers who want to see a mother’s struggle, the failure of love, and the search for existence on screen. A sex worker can also be a mother and she has the courage to fight the world for her children. ‘Lalibazar’ has given the message that a mother’s sweat is more sacred than the stains that society puts on her.