Oneness is a 2024 Manipuri movie directed by Priyakanta Laishram. It is the first gay-themed movie of Manipur, Northeast India. It is the first mainstream Manipuri movie to deal with same-sex relationships and sexual identity.[1] The film stars Maya Choudhury, Priyakanta Laishram, Suraj Ngashepam and Sachinker Sagolsem in the lead roles.[2] It is produced by Roushil Singla and Priyakanta Laishram under the banner Priyakanta Productions.[3]
| Oneness | |
|---|---|
 Oneness - First Poster | |
| Directed by | Priyakanta Laishram |
| Produced by | Roushil Singla Priyakanta Laishram |
| Starring | Maya Choudhury Priyakanta Laishram Suraj Ngashepam Sachinker Sagolsem |
Production company | Priyakanta Productions |
Release date |
|
| Country | India |
| Language | Meitei language (officially called Manipuri language) |
Production
editDevelopment
editIn December 2021, Priyakanta Laishram had stated that the film is inspired by one of the rare cases of gay honor killing in Northeast India and it took him two years to develop and finalise the script. It was revealed that the film, which would star Maya Choudhury, Priyakanta Laishram, Suraj Ngashepam, and Sachinker Sagolsem in the key roles, will begin production by the end of January 2022.[2]
On The Indian Express, Laishram stated that it took him eight months to find an actor to play a gay character.[1]
In an interview with India Today, Laishram claimed that because the film is based on a true story, he did the most of the research and played a significant role in reconstructing the events.[4]
Speaking on finances, Laishram said on Scroll.in that after two years of struggling to produce Oneness, his partner, Roushil Singla, helped him out financially and that he sincerely shared his idea and was eager to join as one of the producers.[3]
Filming
editThe principal photography of the film commenced on 19 January 2022, in Imphal. The film wrapped up its shoot on 28 March 2022. The movie's production cost 15 lakh Indian rupees.[5]
Post-production
editThe trailer of the film was launched on 18 April 2022 in Imphal.[6]
Release & Film Festivals
editOneness was officially selected at the KASHISH Pride Film Festival 2024, and made its world premiere on 17 May 2024 at Cinepolis, Mumbai.[7]
The film was also officially selected as the lone entry from Northeast India for the 14th Bangalore Queer Film Festival, 2024, where it made its Bangalore premiere on August 24, 2024. Oneness is the first Meitei-language film to be shown at the festival. [8][9][10]
Cast
edit- Priyakanta Laishram as Ivan Martin.
- Maya Choudhury as Anna Martin.
- Suraj Ngashepam as Pamheiba Hijam.
- Sachinker Sagolsem as Daniel Martin.
- Ramva Leishangthem as Mersia Martin.
- Harendra Laishram as Peter Martin.
- Rojesh Saikhom as Pastor John.
- Yaiphabi Toijam as Mary D'Souza.
- Taton Sagolsem as Inspector Ton.
- Naorem Naoba Mei as Police Constable.
- Supriya Wangkhem as Pamheiba's mother.
References
edit- ^ a b "A Manipur film tackles sexual identity for first time". The Indian Express. 25 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ^ a b "Priyakanta Laishram "ONENESS" is all set to reveal the invisible crime of Gay Honor Killing (Manipur's first Gay themed movie)". India Today NE. 10 December 2021. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ^ a b "'I knew I wasn't transgender but I had no idea who I was': Manipuri filmmaker Priyakanta Laishram". Scroll.in. 24 June 2023. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
- ^ "Manipuri Cinema needs content improvement, says state's first gay-themed movie director Priyakanta Laishram". India Today NE. 31 December 2022. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ^ "Making Of 'ONENESS': Manipur's First-Ever Flick On Same-Sex Relationship". The Frontier Manipur. 23 April 2023. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
- ^ "Official trailer of first Manipuri gay themed film 'Oneness' launched". HY News. 19 April 2022. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ^ "Priyakanta's 'Oneness' steals spotlight at Pride Film Fest". The Sangai Express. 21 May 2024. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
- ^ "Manipuri Film "ONENESS" selected as the sole entry from NE India for Bangalore Queer Film Festival 2024". Imphal Times. 17 August 2024. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
- ^ "The upcoming edition of 'Bangalore Queer Film Festival' features an increased number of Indian films than ever before". The New Indian Express - Indulge. 23 August 2024. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
- ^ "Bangalore Queer film festival opens on August 23, to screen 50 movies". Deccan Herald. 23 August 2024. Retrieved 30 August 2024.