Meitei cinema (), also known as Maniwood, is the segment of Indian cinema dedicated to the production of motion pictures in the Meitei language (officially called Manipuri language), widely spoken in the state of Manipur. The popular term Maniwood, is a portmanteau of "Manipuri" (official name of Meitei) 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 1991 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)
Year Original Title Romanization Director Producer Banner Format Note(s)/Reference(s) 1972 Deb Kumar Bose K. Manimohan T.K. Films Private Ltd. 35mm Black and White 1973 S.N. Chand S.N. Chand Sajatia Pictures 35mm Black and White 1974 Aribam Syam Sharma G. Narayan Sharma N.S. Films 35mm Black and White 1974 S.N. Chand W. Basant Kumar Poonam Films 35mm Black and White 1976 Aribam Syam Sharma G. Narayan Sharma N.S. Films 35mm Black and White 1979 G.C. Tongbra Th. Haridas A.T. Films 35mm Black and White (some parts were colour) 1979 Aribam Syam Sharma G. Narayan Sharma N.S. Films 35mm Black and White 1981 Aribam Syam Sharma K. Ibohal Sharma X-Cine Productions 16mm Converted to 35mm blowup (Black and White) 1981 M.Nilamani M.Nilamani Anjana Films 35mm Black and White 1981 L. Banka Sharma L. Shyamsundar Eastern Star Films 35mm Black and White 1983 M.A. Singh Doren Thoudam A.T.B. Films International (India) 35mm Black and White 1984 M.A. Singh Kh. Shakhi Devi Kay Pee Films International (India) 16mm Convert-ed to 35mm blowup (Colour) 1984 L. Banka Sharma H. Gehendra Liberty Films 35mm Black and White 1987 Doren Thoudam & H. Ibotombi Doren Thoudam A.T.B. Films International (India) 16mm Converted to 35mm blowup Colour 1989 G. Narayan Sharma G. Narayan Sharma N.S. Films 35mm Colour
Cast and crew
Actors Oken Amakcham Gokul Athokpam Gurumayum Bonny Shougrakpam Hemanta Kaiku Rajkumar Priyakanta Laishram Makhonmani Mongsaba Lairenjam Olen Hamom Sadananda Bijou Thaangjam Chinglen Thiyam Bonium Thokchom Kangabam Tomba
Actresses Maya Choudhury Leishangthem Tonthoingambi Abenao Elangbam Bala Hijam Lin Laishram Soma Laishram Manda Leima Sushmita Mangsatabam Biju Ningombam Kshetrimayum Rashi Yengkhom Roma Kamala Saikhom Huirem Seema Tara
Directors Oken Amakcham Homen D' Wai Oinam Gautam Singh Romi Meitei Makhonmani Mongsaba Haobam Paban Kumar Aribam Syam Sharma Bobby Wahengbam Priyakanta Laishram
Awards National Film Awards
Manipur State Film Awards (MSFA) Manipur State Film Awards 2022 Manipur State Film Awards 2023 Manipur State Film Awards 2024 Manipur State Film Awards 2025 Manipur Film Awards (MANIFA) MANIFA 2020 MANIFA 2022 MANIFA 2025
Bilingualism Many Meitei language films have been made with other languages simultaneously. Meitei and English
Year Title Director(s) Ref 2011 Fried Fish, Chicken Soup and a Premiere Show Mamta Murthy 2013 Manipuri Pony (film) Aribam Syam Sharma 2018Who Said Boys Can't Wear Makeup?Priyakanta Laishram2024Oneness (film)Priyakanta Laishram
Meitei and Japanese Year Title Director(s) Ref 2015 My Japanese Niece Mohen Naorem
Meitei and Portuguese Year Meitei Title Portuguese Title Director(s) Ref 2017 Nura Pakhang Eu e Tu Romi Meitei
Meitei and Tamil Year Title Director(s) Ref 1996 Language of War R.V. Ramani
Meitei and Tangkhul Year Title Director(s) Ref 2021 Nine Hills One Valley Haobam Paban Kumar
Notable films
See also List of Meitei-language television channels List of Meitei-language newspapers Kollywood
References
External links