By Kashvi Raj Singh,News18,Sahas
Copyright news18
Lakshmipriya Devi’s Manipuri film Boong is set to release in theatres on September 19. Produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment in association with Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures, the film marks a significant moment for Manipuri cinema. Featuring Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam in lead roles, the movie will screen across select cities at PVR INOX cinemas.
The movie, whose world premiere was at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), is the debut feature of Lakshmipriya Devi. A first assistant director on movies such as Luck by Chance, Talaash, PK and Mira Nair’s A Suitable Boy, Devi now takes centre stage with her maiden independent venture.
A Story Rooted in Manipur
Boong recounts a young boy’s life in a village with his mother, who is single. They are both tormented by the inexplicable vanishing of their father, Joykumar, who used to work away from their hometown. The boy embarks on an emotional quest with his best friend, determined to uncover the truth. The story wonders if Joykumar died or deserted his family, as it delves into resilience and love at its fundamental level.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Excel Entertainment (@excelmovies)
Dedicating her own personal connection to the film, Devi said that the project draws inspiration from her own. “Dedicated to the resilience of the people of Manipur”. “Boong is the book I could not write because of my bad English! The film is inspired by my grandmother’s folktales that cushioned me with a certain kind of fuzzy warmth during my childhood. It is dedicated to the resilience of the people of Manipur. I am experiencing this crazy mix of complete disbelief, happiness and a whole lot of gratitude that a Manipuri film is finally reaching a wider audience, in mainland India,” she said in the statement.
Industry Support and Broader Reach
Since Excel Entertainment has come on board with Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures, the movie has solid production backing. PVR INOX Pictures has embarked on the theatrical distribution. PVR INOX Pictures CEO Kamal Gianchandani stated, “At PVR INOX, our effort is to present eclectic stories from all over the globe to our viewers. We feel that there is an audience for every type of cinema and it’s our responsibility to guide them to the discovery of fresh stories that give them alternative perspectives.”. We are excited to release Boong, a highly regarded Manipuri movie rooted in local contexts and yet of universal appeal.
The initiative is a reflection of an emerging attempt to take regional storytelling to mainstream screens. With its theatrical release, Boong underscores the possibilities of Manipuri film reaching outside regional audiences and resonating throughout India.
A Landmark for Manipuri Cinema
The release of Boong is not only a film landmark but a cultural one. With its TIFF accolade and robust industry support, the film promises to bring Manipuri storytelling to the national limelight. To its viewers, it is a glimpse into a deeply personal story built within local culture yet resonating universally with sentiments of loss, hope and perseverance.
