Film critics : The unsung heroes of Manipuri cinema
|
Herojit Nongmaithem
For too long, the film critic has been viewed with suspicion in many regional cinema industries, and Manipur is no exception. Seen as either an impediment to a film’s commercial success or an elite intellectual detached from the local audience, the critic’s role is often misunderstood. This perception, however, is a disservice to both the filmmakers striving for exce- llence and the audience that yearns for a deeper connection with their cultural narratives. Rather than an antagonist, a constructive film critic should be seen as an invaluable partner in the growth of Manipuri cinema, an unsung hero whose work helps elevate the entire industry.
Practical lessons from other regional cinemas
The potential of a symbiotic relationship between critics and filmmakers is not just a theoretical ideal; it is a model that has proven transformative elsewhere.
The rise of Malayalam cinema : The Malayalam film industry in Kerala is often cited as a benchmark for content-driven regional cinema, and its growth is inextricably linked to a thriving culture of constructive criticism. Here, film journalists and critics are well-respected for their expertise and ability to spot genuine talent, regardless of budget or star power. When a low-budget, high-quality film like Manjummel Boys receives a positive critical reception, it drives audience interest and word-of-mouth, proving that content and artistic merit can triumph over extravagant marketing. This symbiotic feedback loop—where critics endorse genuine talent and audiences follow—is exactly what Manipuri cinema needs to achieve its own breakthrough.
The French New Wave : While geographically distant, the French New Wave offers an iconic lesson on the power of critics to shape a cinematic movement. Filmmakers like François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard famously began as critics for the influential magazine Cahiers du Cinéma. Their critical writing and deep knowledge of cinematic history directly informed their revolutionary filmmaking styles, proving that a rigorous critical background is a powerful foun- dation for creative innovation.
Their work demonstrates that critics aren’t just commentators; they can be pioneers who help define and drive a new cinematic language.
The critic as a mirror for the filmmaker
A film is a deeply personal creation, and after months or years of intense work, a filmmaker can lose perspective. A dedicated and knowledgeable film critic serves as an objective mirror, reflecting the work’s strengths and weaknesses. Their critique is not an attack but an invitation to dialogue, providing filmmakers with insights they might have missed during the creative process. For instance, a critique might highlight how a certain character choice falls flat or how a film’s pacing could be improved, pushing the filmmaker to refine their craft in future projects. This relationship is not about finding fault but about pursuing perfection.
While filmmakers like Lakshmipriya Devi and Haobam Paban Kumar are earning international accolades and breaking new ground, much of Manipur’s local media coverage of its cinema remains fixated on the superficial: box office returns, film launches, and celebrity gossip. This narrow focus does a profound disservice to the art form and the culture it represents, reinforcing the damaging public perception of film as mere escapism. For Mani-puri cinema to truly mature, and for the local film-going public to engage with it on a deeper level, our local media must evolve to tell a more profound story, recognizing and celebrating the artistic and cultural significance embedded in these works.
For decades, Manipuri cinema has been more than just entertainment; it has been a mirror reflecting the region’s complex history, social struggles, and cultural resilience. MA Singh’s Sanakeithel employed cinematic realism to tackle issues of unemployment and exploitation. More recently, Lakshmipriya Devi’s Boong has garnered international attention for its exploration of childhood resilience amid socio-political uncertainty. Yet, such nuanced themes and directorial choices are often lost in translation when media coverage priori-tizes commercial metrics over artistic intent.
Local newspapers and media outlets can elevate this discourse by establishing dedicated arts and culture sections that focus on critical film analysis, interviews with filmmakers, and features on cinematic history. This shift would educate the public on the craft of filmmaking, encouraging a more discerning audience that appreciates the why and the how behind a film’s creation, not just the what.
By showcasing the achievements of Manipuri filmmakers on National and international platforms, the media can also instill a sense of local pride, positioning Manipuri cinema not as a regional diversion but as a significant cultural export. This requires a dedicated effort to move beyond press releases and instead engage in meaningful film journalism that illuminates the rich narratives, artistic risks, and cultural insights that define the best of Manipuri cinema.
Beyond the Screen: How to Appreciate Manipuri Cinema as Art
For many, a trip to the movies is a form of simple entertainment—an escape from the everyday. In Manipur, a region brimming with rich cultural traditions, this perception has often defined cinema.
However, to truly appreciate Manipuri cinema, one must look beyond the screen and understand the art behind the storytelling. Like any great work of art, from a classical dance performance to a handcrafted fabric, films from this region are embedded with meaning, history, and a deliberate creative vision. By paying attention to a few key concepts, we can unlock a deeper, more rewar- ding viewing experience.
Theme: Beyond the plot, what is the film about ?
Appreciating a film on a deeper level involves exploring its themes, which are the central ideas or messages conveyed beyond the plot.
Example: Lakshmipriya Devi’s Boong appears to be a simple coming-of-age story, but its strength lies in its exploration of childhood resilience and innocence amidst socio-political uncertainty. The focus on these themes—rather than just the events—allows the film to resonate on a more universal human level.
Actionable Takeaway : When watching a film, go beyond what happens on screen to consider the ‘why’ and the message the film conveys.
Mise-en-scène: Everything within the frame
Mise-en-scène refers to everything placed in front of the camera, such as the set design, costumes, lighting, and the composition of actors and objects. Filmmakers use these elements to convey information and emotion.
Example: MA Singh’s Sanakeithel uses cinematic realism by employing non-professional actors and real-world settings to authentically portray the market and surrounding streets. This approach grounds the film’s commentary on social issues like unemployment and exploitation in a lived-in reality. Each detail, from the faces of the street vendors to the items they sell, is placed with the intention of creating a thought-provoking, authentic setting.
Actionable Takeaway: Pay attention to the details within a scene, as they contribute to the story beyond the dialogue.
Editing: The rhythm of the story
Editing involves assembling shots to create a coherent narrative, influencing a film’s pacing, rhythm, and emotional impact. It is the cinematic equivalent of a musician choosing which notes to play and for how long.
Example : Montage, a technique where short shots are edited together, is often used to compress time or juxtapose images for dramatic effect. While historically associated with Soviet cinema, modern filmmakers, including those in Manipur, use this technique to convey a lot of information in a short amount of time.
Actionable Takeaway : Notice the speed and flow of scenes. The pace of shots influences the emotional experience.
Cinematography: The camera’s perspective
Cinematography uses the camera to tell a story through choices about lighting, angles, and shot composition. It is about showing, not just telling.
Example: Filmmakers like Haobam Paban Kumar create powerful visuals by rooting their work in the lived reality of Manipur. A low-angle shot can make a character seem powerful, while a high-angle shot can make them seem vulnerable.
Actionable Takeaway: Observe the camera’s position and movement to understand its impact on the story. Ultimately, appreciating Manipuri cinema as an art form is about shifting from a passive viewer to an active, engaged observer. By considering the theme, mise-en-scène, editing, and cinematography, one can gain a deeper appreciation for the films, the culture, and the artistic talent they represent.
For too long, the film critic has been viewed with suspicion in many regional cinema industries, and Manipur is no exception. Seen as either an impediment to a film’s commercial success or an elite intellectual detached from the local audience, the critic’s role is often misunderstood. This perception, however, is a disservice to both the filmmakers striving for exce- llence and the audience that yearns for a deeper connection with their cultural narratives. Rather than an antagonist, a constructive film critic should be seen as an invaluable partner in the growth of Manipuri cinema, an unsung hero whose work helps elevate the entire industry.
Practical lessons from other regional cinemas
The potential of a symbiotic relationship between critics and filmmakers is not just a theoretical ideal; it is a model that has proven transformative elsewhere.
The rise of Malayalam cinema : The Malayalam film industry in Kerala is often cited as a benchmark for content-driven regional cinema, and its growth is inextricably linked to a thriving culture of constructive criticism. Here, film journalists and critics are well-respected for their expertise and ability to spot genuine talent, regardless of budget or star power. When a low-budget, high-quality film like Manjummel Boys receives a positive critical reception, it drives audience interest and word-of-mouth, proving that content and artistic merit can triumph over extravagant marketing. This symbiotic feedback loop—where critics endorse genuine talent and audiences follow—is exactly what Manipuri cinema needs to achieve its own breakthrough.
The French New Wave : While geographically distant, the French New Wave offers an iconic lesson on the power of critics to shape a cinematic movement. Filmmakers like François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard famously began as critics for the influential magazine Cahiers du Cinéma. Their critical writing and deep knowledge of cinematic history directly informed their revolutionary filmmaking styles, proving that a rigorous critical background is a powerful foun- dation for creative innovation.
Their work demonstrates that critics aren’t just commentators; they can be pioneers who help define and drive a new cinematic language.
The critic as a mirror for the filmmaker
A film is a deeply personal creation, and after months or years of intense work, a filmmaker can lose perspective. A dedicated and knowledgeable film critic serves as an objective mirror, reflecting the work’s strengths and weaknesses. Their critique is not an attack but an invitation to dialogue, providing filmmakers with insights they might have missed during the creative process. For instance, a critique might highlight how a certain character choice falls flat or how a film’s pacing could be improved, pushing the filmmaker to refine their craft in future projects. This relationship is not about finding fault but about pursuing perfection.
While filmmakers like Lakshmipriya Devi and Haobam Paban Kumar are earning international accolades and breaking new ground, much of Manipur’s local media coverage of its cinema remains fixated on the superficial: box office returns, film launches, and celebrity gossip. This narrow focus does a profound disservice to the art form and the culture it represents, reinforcing the damaging public perception of film as mere escapism. For Mani-puri cinema to truly mature, and for the local film-going public to engage with it on a deeper level, our local media must evolve to tell a more profound story, recognizing and celebrating the artistic and cultural significance embedded in these works.
For decades, Manipuri cinema has been more than just entertainment; it has been a mirror reflecting the region’s complex history, social struggles, and cultural resilience. MA Singh’s Sanakeithel employed cinematic realism to tackle issues of unemployment and exploitation. More recently, Lakshmipriya Devi’s Boong has garnered international attention for its exploration of childhood resilience amid socio-political uncertainty. Yet, such nuanced themes and directorial choices are often lost in translation when media coverage priori-tizes commercial metrics over artistic intent.
Local newspapers and media outlets can elevate this discourse by establishing dedicated arts and culture sections that focus on critical film analysis, interviews with filmmakers, and features on cinematic history. This shift would educate the public on the craft of filmmaking, encouraging a more discerning audience that appreciates the why and the how behind a film’s creation, not just the what.
By showcasing the achievements of Manipuri filmmakers on National and international platforms, the media can also instill a sense of local pride, positioning Manipuri cinema not as a regional diversion but as a significant cultural export. This requires a dedicated effort to move beyond press releases and instead engage in meaningful film journalism that illuminates the rich narratives, artistic risks, and cultural insights that define the best of Manipuri cinema.
Beyond the Screen: How to Appreciate Manipuri Cinema as Art
For many, a trip to the movies is a form of simple entertainment—an escape from the everyday. In Manipur, a region brimming with rich cultural traditions, this perception has often defined cinema.
However, to truly appreciate Manipuri cinema, one must look beyond the screen and understand the art behind the storytelling. Like any great work of art, from a classical dance performance to a handcrafted fabric, films from this region are embedded with meaning, history, and a deliberate creative vision. By paying attention to a few key concepts, we can unlock a deeper, more rewar- ding viewing experience.
Theme: Beyond the plot, what is the film about ?
Appreciating a film on a deeper level involves exploring its themes, which are the central ideas or messages conveyed beyond the plot.
Example: Lakshmipriya Devi’s Boong appears to be a simple coming-of-age story, but its strength lies in its exploration of childhood resilience and innocence amidst socio-political uncertainty. The focus on these themes—rather than just the events—allows the film to resonate on a more universal human level.
Actionable Takeaway : When watching a film, go beyond what happens on screen to consider the ‘why’ and the message the film conveys.
Mise-en-scène: Everything within the frame
Mise-en-scène refers to everything placed in front of the camera, such as the set design, costumes, lighting, and the composition of actors and objects. Filmmakers use these elements to convey information and emotion.
Example: MA Singh’s Sanakeithel uses cinematic realism by employing non-professional actors and real-world settings to authentically portray the market and surrounding streets. This approach grounds the film’s commentary on social issues like unemployment and exploitation in a lived-in reality. Each detail, from the faces of the street vendors to the items they sell, is placed with the intention of creating a thought-provoking, authentic setting.
Actionable Takeaway: Pay attention to the details within a scene, as they contribute to the story beyond the dialogue.
Editing: The rhythm of the story
Editing involves assembling shots to create a coherent narrative, influencing a film’s pacing, rhythm, and emotional impact. It is the cinematic equivalent of a musician choosing which notes to play and for how long.
Example : Montage, a technique where short shots are edited together, is often used to compress time or juxtapose images for dramatic effect. While historically associated with Soviet cinema, modern filmmakers, including those in Manipur, use this technique to convey a lot of information in a short amount of time.
Actionable Takeaway : Notice the speed and flow of scenes. The pace of shots influences the emotional experience.
Cinematography: The camera’s perspective
Cinematography uses the camera to tell a story through choices about lighting, angles, and shot composition. It is about showing, not just telling.
Example: Filmmakers like Haobam Paban Kumar create powerful visuals by rooting their work in the lived reality of Manipur. A low-angle shot can make a character seem powerful, while a high-angle shot can make them seem vulnerable.
Actionable Takeaway: Observe the camera’s position and movement to understand its impact on the story. Ultimately, appreciating Manipuri cinema as an art form is about shifting from a passive viewer to an active, engaged observer. By considering the theme, mise-en-scène, editing, and cinematography, one can gain a deeper appreciation for the films, the culture, and the artistic talent they represent.