Vishal Devkota to make big-screen debut alongside Swastima Khadka in 'Lalibazar'

Kathmandu. The film 'Lalibazar' features actress Swastima Khadka in the lead role. Vishal Devkota will appear as Khadka's partner in the film, which is set to release on Baisakh 18. The production team revealed his role alongside Khadka in the film's new poster.

Vishal expresses that it is a matter of pride for him to share the screen with actress Swastima. Vishal is making his big-screen debut with this film. Known as both an actor and director in theater, he was selected for the film through an audition. Producer Rabindra Singh Baniya stated that it was due to his acting skills that he was cast as Swastima's partner. "I had a desire to become an artist since childhood, and I have reached here today by following that dream," he said.

According to him, the team of 'Lalibazar' first noticed him while he was performing in the play 'Mira' at Kantipur Theater. He was then selected for the film after passing various stages of auditions. He mentioned that his theater experience opened the door for his entry into the film industry.

He said, "I last performed in a play called 'Mira' at Kantipur Theater. Pradeep Bhattarai sir, Rabin dai, and JB dai came to watch that play. After watching it, they called me to the office for an audition, and the process began."

The film, shot in Rajapur, Bardiya, features performances by Swastima and Vishal, alongside Rabindra Singh Baniya, Samaira Thapa, Mukunda Kumar Shrestha, Abhay Baral, Prem Pandey, Asha Paudel, Govinda Sunar, Abha Aryal, Tara Sharma, Ramesh Badi, Saraswati Adhikari, Janaki Kathayat, Nischal Panthi, and Birwal Chaudhary. Along with Vishal Devkota, Prashansa Subedi is also making her debut with this film. While Vishal is a theater artist, Prashansa is known as a Gen-Z activist.

The film is written and directed by Yam Thapa, with Pradeep Bhattarai serving as the executive producer, and Max Dipesh Khatri and Rabindra Singh Baniya as producers.