“Oneness” : A Film Review

In the annals of Manipuri Cinema, “Oneness” will be etched as the first gay themed film. Directed by Priyakanta Laishram, the film premiered at MSFDS on December 15, 2024. Although Manipur has explored queerness in films like ‘Ang Tamo’ and ‘Kaiku v/s Hiramoti‘, a full length feature film centered around the love life of two homosexuals and societal attitudes towards them remained elusive.

“Oneness” fills this gap with a compelling storyline and narrative. The film captivated audiences’ hearts at its premiere and has paved the way for future films tackling such sensitive issues.

SYNOPSIS:

In 2012, Ivan Martin, an 18-year-old, and Pamheiba, 24, are deeply in love, navigating a relationship condemned by a society that deems homosexuality a criminal offense and unnatural. On their anniversary, they seek solace and privacy at a hotel, only to be discovered by two policemen. What begins as a romantic celebration turns into a nightmare as they are humiliated, shamed for their love, and taken to the police station. Their release comes only after their distressed families intervene, but the ordeal marks the start of a harrowing journey.

Faced with rejection from their families, forced attempts at “conversion,” and unrelenting hostility, their bond Is tested under crushing weight. As the story spirals into tragedy, the consequences of unacceptance and intolerance come into stark focus. The fate of the two lovers remains a heart wrenching mystery, leaving the audience to ponder the devastating cost of a society’s refusal to accept love in all its forms.

Review:
“Oneness” is a groundbreaking film that marks a milestone in Manipuri cinema as its first gay-themed feature film and director and actor Priyakanta Laishram deserves accolades for crafting a film that sheds light on the struggles of a marginalized community.

The film revolves around the poignant love story of Ivan Martin (played by Priyakanta) and Pamheiba (Suraj Ngasepam), two men who dare to love each other in a society that rejects them. The movie masterfully portrays the stigma and discrimination they face, simply for being true to themselves.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its thought-provoking depiction of how societal pressure and ignorance can lead to traumatic consequences. Ivan’s parents, desperate to “cure” his homosexuality, consult pastors and subject him to brutal “exorcisms.” Meanwhile, Pamheiba’s parents seek the help of traditional priests, highlighting the deep-seated misconceptions that perpetuate homophobia.

Furthermore, the ensemble cast delivers outstanding performances, bringing depth and nuance to the story. With its exceptional dialogue, well-crafted screenplay, and sensitive direction, “Oneness” is a powerful film that will leave audiences empathizing with the protagonists and reflecting on the importance of acceptance and inclusivity.

While acknowledging that the film’s subject matter may not resonate with everyone, I firmly believe that the movie does justice to its storyline and sensitive portrayal. The initial awkwardness is likely to dissipate as the audience becomes invested in the narrative. What’s truly remarkable about the film is its emotional impact. It masterfully evokes empathy and emotional depth, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. The climax is particularly poignant, with many viewers visibly moved to tears.
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Personally, I’ve heard that the last time audiences were similarly moved to tears in a Manipuri film was during the screening of “Meichak Meichak” in the late 90s. However, for me, the film that comes closest to this one in terms of genre and emotional impact is ‘Monna Senggao Laakpa’.

STANDOUT PERFORMERS:


1) Priyakanta Laishram as Ivan Martin

Priyakanta delivers a standout performance as Ivan Martin, an 18-year-old deeply in love with Pamheiba. His portrayal masterfully captures the constant fear and vulnerability that accompanies his forbidden love. Despite being his debut role, Priyakanta’s dialogue delivery is remarkably realistic, bringing depth and nuance to his character.
His portrayal is so compelling that it evokes a strong emotional response from the audience, who can’t help but root for Ivan to find happiness and acceptance. Unfortunately, the film’s narrative takes a tragic turn, leaving the audience with a poignant and haunting sense of despair.


2) Maya Choudhury as Anna, Ivan’s mother

Maya Choudhary shines as another standout star of the film, delivering outstanding performances throughout. Her character’s transformation from a woman trapped in a patriarchal society to an independent individual pursuing her teaching dreams is truly commendable.
Maya’s dialogue delivery is remarkably natural, evoking empathy from the audience for her and her son. She masterfully handles some of the film’s most heart-wrenching dialogues, making this performance arguably the best of her career.


3) Sachinker Sagolshem as Daniel Martin

Sachinker’s portrayal of Daniel, Ivan Martin’s elder brother and the film’s antagonist, is a tour-de-force performance. He brings to life a character so convincingly despicable that audiences can’t help but despise him by the film’s end. This is a testament to Sachinker’s exceptional acting skills.
With his impressive performance, Sachinker shows tremendous potential to become the next iconic villain of Manipuri cinema. Here’s hoping he takes on more complex, challenging roles in the future.

MEMORABLE PERFORMANCES:

  1. Suraj Ngashepam shines as Pamheiba, Ivan Martin’s boyfriend, delivering a convincing portrayal of the struggles faced by the couple.
  2. Harendra Laishram’s performance as Peter, Ivan’s father, is chilling. His eyes convey a sense of “menace” that evokes fear.
  3. Rojesh Saikhom brings to life Pastor John, a conservative pastor, with a nuanced and skillful performance.
  4. Yaiphabi Toijam’s portrayal of Mary D’Souza, Ivan’s ally and best friend, is inspiring. Her character embodies the kind of empathy and support we all aspire to.
  5. Ramva Leishangthem delivers a heartfelt performance as Mercia Martin, Ivan’s supportive younger sister. Her character’s empathy and love are a beacon of hope.
  6. Taton Sagolshem and Naorem Naoba Mei make a notable debut as Inspector and , respectively. Their fresh performances bring a new dynamic to the film, and I look forward to seeing more of them in the future.

Overall, ‘Oneness’ offers a distinctive glimpse into Manipuri cinema, and it’s incredibly refreshing to see a heartfelt film after so long. I applaud the entire crew for creating a movie that authentically represents a marginalized community in today’s society.

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