The 120-minute long Rongmei feature film – Nakamh-Riangsuanneic directed, scripted, edited and produced by Kachangthai Gonmei was selected in the competition section of the International Folklore Film Festival of Kerala 2021 which began on Friday at Peyynur in Kanuur District, Kerala. The three days long festival was organised by the Kerala Folklore Academy, Chirakkal in Kannur District, Kerala.
The Rongmei film was among nine films selected in the competition section. The film which received the censor certificate on February 13, 2020 had its world premiere today at the festival.
The film tells the story of an orphan called Nikamh who lives in Makuailuangdih village in the western part of Manipur. Riangsuanneic, the daughter of a rich man, who is very gorgeous with long hair and skillful in weaving, lives in the same village. Nakamh saves Riansuanneic from the evil hands of Cachari warriors. Nakamh ends up marrying Riangsuanneic. Nakamh is so proud to have the most beautiful lady as his wife. One day, he steals his wife’s hair and rolled up it in a basket, and lets it flow down Thiamga River.
A Cachari warrior finds the basket while taking bath and brings it to the Cachari King. The king is so impressed and he commands his warriors to find the lady with long hair, up the stream and to bring her to be his wife.
Nakamh and Riangsuanneic hear the news that King’s warriors are hunting for Riangsuanneic so they hide out in the forest. During their hide-out, they get a son named Kachana.
While Nakamh goes to the field, his wife has been kidnapped by Cachari warriors and his son has been left by the bank of Ahu (Barak) River. He follows his wife’s footsteps, carrying his son. After the death of Kachana on the way, he reaches Cachar. He requests the king to give back his wife, but the king put him to a test. Experiencing defeat, he returns home. He gathers the villagers and they wage war against the Cachar Kingdom. He dies in that war of love.
Kachangthai Gonmei and Achngna Kamei played the lead roles in the film. L.Hemanta and Ashing Thaimei were cameramen. Joseph Gonmei scored the music.
Nakamh-Riangsuanneic is the first Rongmei film and Kachangthai Gonmei’s debut film.
Born on March 4, 1983, Kachangthai Gonmei was the son of Kakhulungpou Gonmei and Gaikhang Juanliu Gonmei of Tupul, Namduanjang in Noney District. He completed his Master Degree in Political Science. He was an approved singer of All India Radio.
(Press release of Film Society Manipur)
