Kaboklei (English: Cape jasmine flower) is a 2009 Indian Meitei language film directed by Pilu Heigrujam and produced by Bandana Maisnam.[1] It stars Manda Leima as the titular protagonist with Hamom Sadananda and Huirem Seema in the lead roles. The screenplay by Narendra Ningomba is based on Khaidem Pramodini's play Kabok Oikhrabi Kaboklei.[2] The film was released at Hapta Kangjeibung, Imphal on 9 January 2009.[3]

Kaboklei
Movie Poster
Directed byPilu Heigrujam
Screenplay byNarendra Ningomba
Story byKhaidem Pramodini
Produced byBandana Maisnam
StarringManda Leima
Hamom Sadananda
Huirem Seema
CinematographyNanda
Edited byPilu Heigurjam
Music byRanbir Thouna
Production
company
Bandana Films
Distributed byBandana Films
Release date
  • 9 January 2009 (2009-01-09)
Running time
148 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageMeitei language (officially called Manipuri language)

Synopsis edit

Kaboklei is a straightforward, free-spirited lady who never fears anyone and always stands for truth. Her mother goes to the market daily in order to keep the kitchen fire burning while her father is bedridden due to prolonged illness. Unforeseen circumstances play out one after another in front of Kaboklei and none of them is in favour of her well-being. She continues to fight bravely despite the never-ending tussle between her life and fate. Unfortunately, fate wins in the end.

Cast edit

  • Manda Leima as Kaboklei
  • Hamom Sadananda as Pamheiba
  • Huirem Seema as Kaboklei's mother
  • Ranjit as Kaboklei's father
  • Sagolsem Dhanamanjuri as Indu
  • Sorri Senjam as Khagemba, Pamheiba's younger brother
  • Wangkhem Lalitkumar as Minister, Pamheiba's father
  • R.K. Hemabati as Minister's wife
  • Narendra Ningomba as Manihar
  • Heisnam Geeta as Manihar's wife
  • Bhogen as Kaboklei's local brother
  • Rina as Thagoi, Nurse
  • Ratan

Reception edit

Pradip Phanjoubam wrote about the film in Imphal Review of Arts and Politics, "Kaboklei belonged to a different story telling style altogether, and just as nothing is in black and white in life, nothing or little are in black and white this story either. Even the ways of providence are not predictable, and portrayed as neutral determinant of life as it unfolds differently for different people. This willingness to see reality as it is and not as a sugar-coated melodrama is not a wonder, considering the film is based on a short story by the late Khaidem Pramodini, sensitive and prolific poet, a contemporary of the late MK Binodini."[4]

Accolades edit

The movie won three awards at the 7th Manipur State Film Festival 2010.[5]

Award Category Winner's name Result
7th Manipur State Film Festival 2010 Best Actor in a Leading Role - Female Manda Leima Won
Best Make-Up Jenny Khurai Won
Best Costume Designer Bandana Maisnam Won

Soundtrack edit

Ranbir Thouna composed the soundtrack for the film and Dr. S. Ibomcha and Khaidem Imo wrote the lyrics. The songs are titled Mamingtagi Hingliba Punsi[6] and Lansonbigi Lamyaida.

No.TitleLyricsMusicSinger(s)Length
1."Mamingtagi Hingliba Punsini"Khaidem ImoRanbir ThounaPushparani Huidrom06:07
2."Lansonbigi Lamyaida"Dr. S. IbomchaRanbir ThounaN/A03:35
Total length:9:42

References edit

  1. ^ NaNi. "Kaboklei: An attempt to show the inner human nature - eRang Reviews". e-pao.org.
  2. ^ The Sangai Express. "Pramodini passes away". e-pao.net.
  3. ^ "7th Manipuri film festival 2010 kicks off in Imphal". in.news.yahoo.com.
  4. ^ PRADIP PHANJOUBAM. "Kaboklei Will Remain as One of the Rare 'Round Characters' in Manipuri Film's Exploration of Cinematic Styles". imphalreviews.in.
  5. ^ "Glittering end to 7th State Film Festival: Chief minister pledges Rs. 10 lakh award for Mary Kom". www.kanglaonline.com.
  6. ^ "Kaboklei Original Motion Picture Soundtrack on Amazon". www.amazon.com.