Meitei cinema


Meitei cinema, also known as Maniwood, is the segment of Indian cinema dedicated to the production of motion pictures in the Meitei language, widely spoken in the state of Manipur. The popular term Maniwood, is a portmanteau of "Manipuri" and "Hollywood". Since its inception, Meitei cinema has played a significant role in the Meitei [linguistic purism movement], often emphasizing proper Meitei language in place of pidgin dialects.
The origins of Meitei cinema date back to, released in 1972 as the first full-length Meitei-language film and the first film made in Manipur. The film won the President's Medal at the 20th [National Film Awards], establishing a milestone in Manipuri cinema. Another landmark came with in 1981, which brought international recognition by winning the Golden Montgolfiere at the 1982 Festival des 3 Continents in Nantes, elevating Indian cinema on the global stage.
In 1990, gained further acclaim, being screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival">Cannes Film Festival">Cannes Film Festival. This film was re-recognized in 2023 by Cannes as a "World Classic," marking its significance as the only Indian film selected for the event that year. Additionally, became the first animation film in the Meitei language and in Manipuri cinema in 2009.
Reflecting local culture, since 2012, Maniwood has observed a dress code guideline: “If you wear jeans thrice on screen, you have to wear Manipuri dresses four times.” This practice reflects the Maniwood culture’s dedication to representing the Manipuri lifestyle and traditional attire. According to acclaimed director Aribam Syam Sharma, Meitei cinema authentically portrays the way of life and thinking of the Manipuri people.
Today, Ishanou, Oneness, and Eikhoigi Yum are among the top-rated Manipuri films on IMDb as of 2023, showcasing the enduring appeal of Meitei cinema among audiences.

History

Era of celluloid classic feature films (1972-1989)

YearOriginal Title
RomanizationDirectorProducerBannerFormatNote/Reference
1972Deb Kumar BoseK. ManimohanT.K. Films Private Ltd.35mm Black and White
1973S.N. ChandS.N. ChandSajatia Pictures35mm Black and White
1974Aribam Syam SharmaG. Narayan SharmaN.S. Films35mm Black and White
1974S.N. ChandW. Basant KumarPoonam Films35mm Black and White
1976Aribam Syam SharmaG. Narayan SharmaN.S. Films35mm Black and White
1979G.C. TongbraTh. HaridasA.T. Films35mm Black and White
1979Aribam Syam SharmaG. Narayan SharmaN.S. Films35mm Black and White
1981Aribam Syam SharmaK. Ibohal SharmaX-Cine Productions16mm Converted to 35mm blowup
1981M.NilamaniM.NilamaniAnjana Films35mm Black and White
1981L. Banka SharmaL. ShyamsundarEastern Star Films35mm Black and White
1983M.A. SinghDoren ThoudamA.T.B. Films International 35mm Black and White
1984M.A. SinghKh. Shakhi DeviKay Pee Films International 16mm Convert-ed to 35mm blowup
1984L. Banka SharmaH. GehendraLiberty Films35mm Black and White
1987Doren Thoudam & H. IbotombiDoren ThoudamA.T.B. Films International 16mm Converted to 35mm blowup Colour
1989G. Narayan SharmaG. Narayan SharmaN.S. Films35mm Colour

Cast and crew

Actors

National Film Awards

Bilingualism

Many Meitei language films have been made with other languages simultaneously.

Meitei and English

YearTitleDirectorRef
2011Fried Fish, Chicken Soup and a Premiere ShowMamta Murthy
2013Manipuri Pony Aribam Syam Sharma
2018Who Said Boys Can't Wear Makeup?Priyakanta Laishram
2024Oneness Priyakanta Laishram

Meitei and Japanese

Meitei and Portuguese

Meitei and Tamil

Meitei and Tangkhul

Notable films