Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! is a 2021 Indian Meitei language non-feature narrative fiction film. It was written, directed, edited, and headlined by Priyakanta Laishram. The film explores the emotional and social impact of drug addiction through the story of a teenager named Panthoi. It was produced by Caroline Laishram under the banner of Priyakanta Productions.[1][2][3][4]
The film received critical praise for its realistic portrayal of substance abuse, its strong female characters, and its emotional storytelling. It gained popularity after being released on YouTube, where it broke records for viewership from Northeast India. It was released in Punjabi and Haryanvi languages in Punjab, India and Haryana respectively, as well as in the union territory of Chandigarh. It was the winner of Best Actor award in the 2019 Human Rights and Social Issues Film Festival in Tokyo, Japan.[3][4][5][6][7]
Plot
Panthoi Sagolsem, a teenager, slowly becomes addicted to drugs. At first, Panthoi is kind, thoughtful, and loved by his family and friends. He shares close relationships with his best friend Lanchenba, his girlfriend Laaija, and his sister Leima, who silently supports him through his struggles.[3][4]
Panthoi’s addiction begins under peer pressure, especially from his friend Ngaanba, and worsens over time. The film shows how substance abuse becomes a regular part of life—rehab stays become common, and promises are repeatedly broken. His family never gives up on him, but there is no quick solution to his condition.[3][4]
As Panthoi tries to recover, he finds that much has already changed. Laaija has moved on, and Ngaanba dies from an overdose. Panthoi loses years of education, self-worth, and important relationships. Even during recovery, he carries guilt and regret for the past.[3][4]
Leima – Played by Bhani Khamnam, Panthoi’s sister[3][4]
Lanchenba – Played by Biswajit Saikia, Panthoi’s friend[3][4]
Ngaanba – Played by Sachinker Sagolsem, Panthoi’s peer and influence[3][4]
Other cast includes Harendra Laishram, Ramva Leishangthem, and Diana Vaiphei[3][4]
Themes
The film focuses on addiction, family relationships, guilt, and emotional healing. It avoids moral judgments and shows the real-life impact of drug use on both the addict and their loved ones. It also explores memory, time lost, and the quiet struggles families face behind closed doors.[3][4]
The portrayal of female characters is noted for being strong and independent. Laaija, for example, supports Panthoi emotionally during his recovery but chooses to move on with her life. Leima, his sister, stays supportive throughout without many words, showing deep emotional strength.[3][4]
"Maibemma" – Composed by Sorri Senjam; a soft and emotional song[3][4]
"Panthung Di Kadaaida!" – Sung by Priyakanta Laishram; known for its raw and personal tone[3][4]
The background score was created by Whitesand Music, Amal Raj, and Sorri Senjam.[3][4]
Production
Filming began on 11 May 2019 and was completed in 10 days. The film was originally 30 minutes long and shown at a film festival the same year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, additional scenes were delayed and filmed during lockdowns in 2020 and 2021. Final shooting was completed in April 2021, in locations around Imphal and Chandigarh.[3][4][5][6][7]
The film was released directly on YouTube on 1 June 2021. It gained over 500,000 views in 48 hours, becoming the first narrative fiction film from Northeast India to achieve this.[5][6][7]
Awards and recognition
The film has received several awards and nominations:
Best Actor – Priyakanta Laishram (Human Rights and Social Issues Film Festival, Tokyo, 2019)[5][6][7][3][4]
Best Actor in Drama – Priyakanta Laishram (Wave Festival, Delhi, 2020–21)[5][6][7][3][4]
Nominations included Best Supporting Actor (Sachinker Sagolsem), Best Supporting Actress (Bhani Khamnam), and Best Narration[3][4][5][6][7]
Social impact
Spaced Out has been praised for showing the drug crisis in Manipur and other parts of Northeast India. It highlights how addiction can destroy families and lives without relying on dramatic or exaggerated storytelling. The film brings attention to the real experiences of addicts and their families.[5][6][7]
Two regional short films—Dhoosar (Haryanvi) and Gham (Punjabi)—were also screened to raise awareness among youth about drug abuse.[5][6][7]
Dubbing and expansion
Following the success of the film’s screenings in Punjab, filmmakers Sanyosh Punia and Lakhwinder Singh Brar began work on Punjabi and Haryanvi dubbed versions of Spaced Out. This was to make the story more accessible to local audiences. The filmmakers stated that while the film is based in Manipur, its message is universal.[5][6][7]
Spaced Out – Panthung Di Kadaaida! has been called a powerful, emotional, and unforgettable film. Critics have praised its honest approach, strong performances—especially by Priyakanta Laishram—and realistic portrayal of addiction. The film has become an important part of modern independent cinema from Northeast India and a strong voice in drug abuse awareness.[5][6][7]
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