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.[2] The film revolves around an 18-year-old queer boy named Ivan Martin, who tragically lost his life because of his sexual identity. Produced by Roushil Singla and Priyakanta Laishram under the banner Priyakanta Productions, it stars Maya Choudhury, Priyakanta Laishram, Suraj Ngashepam and Sachinker Sagolsem in the lead roles.[3][4][5]
In December 2021, Priyakanta Laishram had stated that the film is inspired by one of the rare cases of gayhonor 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.[3]
On The Indian Express, Laishram stated that it took him eight months to find an actor to play a gay character.[2]
In an interview with India Today, Laishram claimed that because the film is based on a true story, he did most of the research and played a significant role in reconstructing the events.[11]
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]
Oneness premiered theatrically on December 15, 2024, at Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) in Imphal and the film later had an extended run at Tanthapolis and KUMECS Cinema.[15]
The film was nominated in four major categories at the Prag Cine Awards 2025: Best Film Northeast, Best Director Northeast (Priyakanta Laishram), Best Actor Male Northeast (Priyakanta Laishram), and Best Actor Female Northeast (Maya Choudhury).[15] Out of this, Priyakanta Laishram won the Best Director Northeast Award.[10]
The film was a finalist in the Competition section of the Aravali International Film Festival 2025, which was held at Alliance Française de Delhi, and was nominated for Best Cinematography.[19]
At the 17th Manipur State Film Awards 2025 given by the Government of Manipur and Manipur State Film Development Society, the film won the Special Jury Award (Feature Film) for Laishram and producer Roushil Singla and a Best Supporting Actor - Female award for Maya Choudhury, marking her first ever award in a 28-year career.[9][20]
The film received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. E-Pao gave the film a 5/5 rating, describing it as "A Brave, Pioneering Triumph in Manipuri Cinema." The review further stated, "As Priyakanta Laishram and his team continue to pave the way for more inclusive storytelling, Oneness will undoubtedly remain a milestone in the history of Manipuri and Indian cinema."[23]
In its 4 out of 5 stars review, Signpost News described Oneness as "the film that dared to say what Manipur silenced," noting its confident direction and emotionally impactful storytelling.[24]
Imphal Review of Arts and Politics hailed Oneness as “a defiant cinematic stand against deep-rooted socio-cultural intolerance”. The review applauded Priyakanta Laishram’s emotionally raw performance and empathetic direction while praising the film’s restrained yet powerful storytelling, intimate cinematography, and immersive sound design. It further noted that the film shatters silence around queerness in Manipur with “grace, empathy, and unflinching honesty” and called it “not just a film—but a cultural awakening.” [25]
TheSangai Express described Oneness as "a significant milestone in Manipuri cinema, shedding light on the complexities of human relationships and the societal pressures that often dictate them. It is a film that will be remembered not only for its storytelling and performances but, more importantly, for its cultural impact."[26] A review from Manipur Wiki stated, "Oneness is a powerful film that will leave audiences empathizing with the protagonists and reflecting on the importance of acceptance and inclusivity."[27]
Before its release, Oneness faced controversies in Manipur due to its queer theme and the prevailing conservative attitudes toward gender and sexuality.The situation escalated after a promotional interview in which lead actress Maya Choudhury stated that she does not watch films in which she does not star. The remark was misinterpreted and contributed to mounting criticism. Several organizations reportedly attempted to block the film’s release, and filmmaker Priyakanta Laishram received threats and online harassment. In a live video before the premiere, Laishram broke down emotionally while speaking about the pressures, revealing the toll the prolonged backlash had taken on him.[31][23][25]
References
1 2 "Censor Certificate". Central Board of Film Certification. 26 September 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
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