Kaboklei


Kaboklei is a 2009 Manipuri film directed by Pilu Heigrujam and produced by Bandana Maisnam. It stars Manda Leima as the titular protagonist with Hamom Sadananda and Huirem Seema in the lead roles. The screenplay by Narendra Ningomba is based on Khaidem Pramodini's play Kabok Oikhrabi Kaboklei. The film was released at Hapta Kangjeibung, Imphal on 9 January 2009.
Kaboklei was part of the official selection at the 7th Manipur State Film Festival 2010 organised by Manipur Film Development Corporation.

Plot

Kaboklei is a straightforward, free-spirited lady who never fears anyone and always stands for truth. Her mother goes to the market daily in order to keep the kitchen fire burning while her father is bedridden due to prolonged illness. Unforeseen circumstances play out one after another in front of Kaboklei and none of them is in favour of her well-being. She continues to fight bravely despite the never-ending tussle between her life and fate. Unfortunately, fate wins in the end.

Cast

  • Manda Leima as Kaboklei
  • Hamom Sadananda as Pamheiba
  • Huirem Seema as Kaboklei's mother
  • Mutum Lukhoi as Kaboklei's father
  • Sagolsem Dhanamanjuri as Indu
  • Sorri Senjam as Khagemba, Pamheiba's younger brother
  • Wangkhem Lalitkumar as Minister, Pamheiba's father
  • R.K. Hemabati as Minister's wife
  • Narendra Ningomba as Manihar
  • Heisnam Geeta as Manihar's wife
  • Bhogen as Kaboklei's local brother
  • Rina Yengkhom as Thagoi, Nurse
  • Ratan Leitanthem

    Reception

Pradip Phanjoubam wrote about the film in Imphal Review of Arts and Politics, "Kaboklei belonged to a different story telling style altogether, and just as nothing is in black and white in life, nothing or little are in black and white this story either. Even the ways of providence are not predictable, and portrayed as neutral determinant of life as it unfolds differently for different people. This willingness to see reality as it is and not as a sugar-coated melodrama is not a wonder, considering the film is based on a short story by the late Khaidem Pramodini, sensitive and prolific poet, a contemporary of the late MK Binodini."

Accolades

The movie won three awards at the 7th Manipur State Film Festival 2010.
AwardCategoryWinner's nameResult
7th Manipur State Film Festival 2010Best Actor in a Leading Role - FemaleManda LeimaWon
7th Manipur State Film Festival 2010Best Make-UpJenny KhuraiWon
7th Manipur State Film Festival 2010Best Costume DesignerBandana MaisnamWon

Soundtrack

Ranbir Thouna composed the soundtrack for the film and Dr. S. Ibomcha and Khaidem Imo wrote the lyrics. The songs are titled Mamingtagi Hingliba Punsi and Lansonbigi Lamyaida.