Ishanou - The Chosen One (1990)

By : Laishram Sheetal

Ishanou (1990), directed by Aribam Syam Sharma, is widely regarded as one of the most important films of Manipuri Cinema.

Screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 1991 Cannes Film Festival and later recognized as a "World Classic" at the Cannes in 2023, it stars Anoubam Kiranmala as Tampha, a woman married to Dhanabir (Kangabam Tomba), and mother to Bembem.

The film begins with Tampha, Dhanabir, and Bembem getting ready for Bembem's ear piercing ceremony, portraying their ordinary domestic life. As the movie unfolds, Tampha starts to act strangely - dancing during the night, jumping into the pond, and having bouts of seizure. The family tries to help her by calling every doctor available and even consulting a Maiba (Priest). She ends up running away to a Maibi's house and refuses to return even after multiple unsuccessful attempts to bring her back.

She becomes 'The Chosen One' by the deity. This movie depicts the life of a Maibi (The Priestess) in the Manipuri society. They are the bridge between the Deity and society. They sacrifice everything, even their family, to become 'The One'. They are chosen to serve the Deity, act as a messenger and to perform rituals. They have to follow strict rules which are not commonly found in the public.

This movie also shows the rich culture of the Lai Haraoba Festival (meaning the festivity of the Gods). Maibi or the Priestess is an integral part of Lai Haraoba where they perform rituals. And in Manipur, people call Maibi as Ema Maibi, which means Mother Priestess as they denounce everything to serve the Deity.

Courtesy : Still from Ishanou, India Film Heritage Foundation

The movie uses Pena (traditional string instrument), flute , and hymns for the music. The use of traditional Manipuri music adds to the story along with performances of the actors.

Anoubam Kiranmala brilliantly performed the role of a Maibi in the movie, especially her Maibi Dance, which is one of the highlights of her performance. Kangabam Tomba, a renowned Manipuri actor, performed and fit well into the character of a distraught husband wanting to bring his wife back to his family.

The montage of Tampha performing at the Lai Haraoba festival at the end of the movie helps to showcase the festival. It also shows the passing of time with her being immersed in the performances. The movie ends with the family reconnecting for a short while but Dhanabir has remarried and Bembem no longer recognizes her mother. So, Tampha is left all alone.

The movie received significant acclaim both in India and internationally, with critics praising its storytelling and vivid depiction of the indigenous Maibi culture. Decades later, it resonates as a meditation on identity, spirituality, and the costs of cultural continuity.