Oneness (film)

Oneness is an upcoming 2023 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][3] It is produced by Roushil Singla and Priyakanta Laishram under the banner Priyakanta Productions.[4] It was scheduled to release on 28 October 2023.[5] On IMDb, Oneness is ranked number two among the top three Manipuri movies.[6]

Oneness
Oneness - First Poster
Directed byPriyakanta Laishram
Produced byRoushil Singla
Priyakanta Laishram
StarringMaya Choudhury
Priyakanta Laishram
Suraj Ngashepam
Sachinker Sagolsem
Production
company
Priyakanta Productions
CountryIndia
LanguageMeitei language (officially called Manipuri language)

Production

Development

In 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.[7]

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.[4]

Filming

The principal photography of the film commenced on January 19, 2023, in Imphal. The film wrapped up its shoot on March 28, 2022. The movie's production cost 15 lakh Indian rupees.[8]

On East Mojo, Laishram stated that his co-star Suraj Ngashepam was reluctant to perform a gay wedding scene because of his macho reputation as a conventional film hero, but that Laishram eventually convinced him.[3]

Maya Choudhury, who plays the role of Anna Martin, the protagonist's mother, stated that in her film career of more than two decades, Oneness is the first film that stirs up the deepest feelings in her heart.[9]

Post-production

It was announced that the film would release on October 28, 2023. In August 2023, the makers announced that the film's release date had been postponed due to Manipur Violence 2023.[5]

The trailer of the film was launched on 19 April 2022 in Imphal.[10]

Cast
  • 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.[5]
  • Taton Sagolsem as Inspector Ton.
  • Naorem Naoba Mei as Police Constable.
  • Supriya Wangkhem as Pamheiba's mother.

References
  1. "A Manipur film tackles sexual identity for first time". The Indian Express. 25 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  2. "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.
  3. "Priyakanta and Suraj: Meet Manipur's first onscreen gay couple". East Mojo. 29 December 2022. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  4. "'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.
  5. "Release of Manipuri film 'Oneness' postponed due to violence in Manipur". East Mojo. 7 August 2023. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
  6. "Ishanou, Oneness, and Eikhoigi Yum become IMDb's top 3 Manipuri movies". East Mojo. 22 August 2023. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
  7. "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.
  8. "Making Of 'ONENESS': Manipur's First-Ever Flick On Same-Sex Relationship". The Frontier Manipur. 23 April 2023. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
  9. ""For The First Time, This Film Stirs Up The Deepest Feelings In My Heart." : Maya Choudhury About Working In ONENESS". Borok Times. 16 August 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  10. "Official trailer of first Manipuri gay themed film 'Oneness' launched". HY News. 19 April 2022. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
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