The Cinema Times, Kathmandu – Prakash Saput and Swastima Khadka starrer ‘Basanta’ is making waves delving deep into the persistent issue of caste discrimination. Nepali cinema has long been a powerful medium of storytelling, reflecting the social realities and one such cinema is ‘Basanta’. It is not just a cinematic experience but a mirror to society.

Director and actor Saput states that ‘Basanta’ is a reflection of the past 20 years of Nepali society. He emphasized that the cinema is based on experiences and realities he has personally witnessed. He further adds, ‘Though Nepal underwent political transformation, the realities of the society are still the same. Just a few days ago, a house in Siraha was demolished simply because it belonged to a Dalit. This kept me awake all night. Just because some individuals have not experienced discrimination, that does not mean it does not exist.’

Actor Swastima Khadka noted that the cinema presents both social and political issues while depicting a society that she herself had not directly experienced. The themes of caste discrimination and armed conflict are new to her. She believes that the cinema will serve as a lens to witness a period and its harsh truth.

‘Basanta’ is an emotional and engaging narrative which portrays the struggles despite legal provisions against caste discrimination. This is an unfortunate reality and the cinema addresses these issues head-on, showcasing how deeply ingrained prejudices affect lives and how difficult it is to break free.

Under the banner of Galbandi Production, the cinema is produced by Mohan Bishwakarma and Bindu Bohora with Anurodh Bhattarai,Birendra Narayan Shrestha and Nyanshi Sherchan as executive producers. Prakash Saput’s directorial ‘Basanta’ features Swastima Khadka, Khadga Bahadur Pun, Prabhat Pal, Shree Shivanshi, Urmila Lampade, Anup Baral, Prakash Ghimire, Kamalmani Nepal, Maotse Gurung, Siru Bista, Bhola Sapkota among others.

By bringing the topic to mainstream cinema, the makers hope to inspire change and question the outdated norms. Cinema has the power to shape perspectives. ‘Basanta’ stands as a bold statement reminding audiences that change is possible when voices are raised and stories told. Releasing on Chaitra 22. #sabaibarabar