# Oneness (film)

Oneness is a 2024 Manipuri movie directed by Priyakanta Laishram. It is the first gay-themed movie of Manipur, Northeast India. It is the first mainstream Manipuri movie to deal with same-sex relationships and sexual identity. The film revolves around an 18-year-old queer boy named Ivan Martin, who tragically lost his life because of his sexual identity. Produced by Roushil Singla and Priyakanta Laishram under the banner Priyakanta Productions, it stars Maya Choudhury, Priyakanta Laishram, Suraj Ngashepam and Sachinker Sagolsem in the lead roles.
Having had its world premiere at South Asia's biggest queer film festival KASHISH Pride Film Festival 2024, the film was officially selected and has been screened at several other film festivals including the 14th Bangalore Queer Film Festival 2024 and the 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival 2025 and received several nominations and accolades including a Best Director Northeast award at the Prag Cine Awards 2025.

## Cast

* Priyakanta Laishram as Ivan Martin.
* Maya Choudhury as Anna Martin.
* Suraj Ngashepam as Pamheiba Hijam.
* Sachinker Sagolsem as Daniel Martin.
* Ramva Leishangthem as Mersia Martin.
* Harendra Laishram as Peter Martin.
* Rojesh Saikhom as Pastor John.
* Yaiphabi Toijam as Mary D'Souza.
* Taton Sagolsem as Inspector Ton.
* Naorem Naoba Mei as Police Constable.
* Supriya Wangkhem as Pamheiba's mother.
* Terina Ningombam as Daniel Martin's girlfriend.

## Production
### Development

In December 2021, Priyakanta Laishram had stated that the film is inspired by one of the rare cases of gay honor killing in Northeast India and it took him two years to develop and finalise the script. It was revealed that the film, which would star Maya Choudhury, Priyakanta Laishram, Suraj Ngashepam, and Sachinker Sagolsem in the key roles, will begin production by the end of January 2022.
On The Indian Express, Laishram stated that it took him eight months to find an actor to play a gay character.
In an interview with India Today, Laishram claimed that because the film is based on a true story, he did most of the research and played a significant role in reconstructing the events.
Speaking on finances, Laishram said on Scroll.in that after two years of struggling to produce Oneness, his partner, Roushil Singla, helped him out financially and that he sincerely shared his idea and was eager to join as one of the producers.

### Filming

The principal photography of the film commenced on 19 January 2022, in Imphal. The film wrapped up its shoot on 28 March 2022. The movie's production cost 15 lakh Indian rupees.

### Post-production

The trailer of the film was launched on 18 April 2022 in Imphal.

## Release & Film Festivals

Oneness was officially selected at the KASHISH Pride Film Festival 2024, and made its world premiere on 17 May 2024 at Cinepolis, Mumbai.
The film was also officially selected as the lone entry from Northeast India for the 14th Bangalore Queer Film Festival, 2024, where it made its Bangalore premiere on August 24, 2024. Oneness is the first Meitei-language film to be shown at the festival.
Oneness premiered theatrically on December 15, 2024, at Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) in Imphal and the film later had an extended run at Tanthapolis and KUMECS Cinema.
At the 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival 2025, Oneness got official selection under the Manipur Matinee section.
Oneness also received an official selection at the 2nd Northeast India Film Festival, Manipur 2025, in the Competition Section.
The film was nominated in four major categories at the Prag Cine Awards 2025: Best Film Northeast, Best Director Northeast (Priyakanta Laishram), Best Actor Male Northeast (Priyakanta Laishram), and Best Actor Female Northeast (Maya Choudhury). Out of this, Priyakanta Laishram won the Best Director Northeast Award.

## Reception

Elle Magazine listed Oneness as one of the "8 Films to Watch Out For" at the Kashish Pride Film Festival 2024. Mid-Day also included Oneness in their "10 Films to Watch Out For" list for the same festival.
The film received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. E-Pao gave the film a 5/5 rating, describing it as "A Brave, Pioneering Triumph in Manipuri Cinema." The review further stated, "As Priyakanta Laishram and his team continue to pave the way for more inclusive storytelling, Oneness will undoubtedly remain a milestone in the history of Manipuri and Indian cinema." The Sangai Express described Oneness as "a significant milestone in Manipuri cinema, shedding light on the complexities of human relationships and the societal pressures that often dictate them. It is a film that will be remembered not only for its storytelling and performances but, more importantly, for its cultural impact." A review from Manipur Wiki stated, "Oneness is a powerful film that will leave audiences empathizing with the protagonists and reflecting on the importance of acceptance and inclusivity."

## Accolades

| Award | Category | Winner's name | Result |
| Prag Cine Awards 2025 | Best Film Northeast | Producers: Roushil Singla Priyakanta Laishram | Nominated |
| Prag Cine Awards 2025 | Best Director Northeast | Priyakanta Laishram | Won |
| Prag Cine Awards 2025 | Best Actor Northeast | Priyakanta Laishram | Nominated |
| Prag Cine Awards 2025 | Best Actress Northeast | Maya Choudhury | Nominated |