A LOOK INTO OUR FILMS

Faith of a kite's tail in the bounty sky

A kite in its full spirit

 NAME: Tellanga mamei

CAST: Olen, Dinesh, Sonia, Medha

DIRECTOR: Oken Amakcham

PRODUCER: Shanti Thokchom

GENRE: Romance, Melodrama 
 

          Shanti Thokchom is the first successful lady producer in Manipur. Some of her successful films are Cheina, Thajbagi Wangmada etc. Her films are mostly based on contemporary social issues. Here in Tellanga mamei, she highlights the various emotional strands a woman faces in her life. 

The film revolves around the life of two sisters, Purnima and Thaja in a remote village far off from Imphal city. The younger sister Thaja loves Bimol, a simple hard-working peasant from their village. But she decides to hide it from her sister, till Purnima finds her soul mate, so as to maintain respect towards her sister. Meanwhile Purnima finds her soul mate in Sanahal, the doctor of their district hospital and a friend of Bimol. After Purnima’s marriage, Thaja decides to disclose her relation with Bimol to Purnima in her next visit. But her happiness is short lived as Purnima dies of cancer leaving behind her newly born son under Thaja’s care. Faith continues to give different twist and turns in her life after Purnima’s death.

            In the film one can easily feel the sweet sisterly bond between Purnima and Thaja. The film shows the importance of love, care, respect and sacrifice in a relation. As in the film at first Bimol decides to sacrifice his love, Thaja, to his friend and Purnima’s husband, Dr Sanahal. Lastly Dr Sanahal saves Thaja and Bimol’s relation by withdrawing the elders’ decision to make Thaja his second wife and hands the care of his only son to Thaja and Bimol. All these acts of sacrifice are due to love and respect of one another. And most importantly the film also shows the happiness and prosperity that comes when a doctor of a district hospital performs his duties and responsibilities sincerely. Like Dr Sanahal every government employee ought to be sincere and hardworking in his/her job.

                        Technically speaking, our directors are good in visualising the emotions of different characters. For instance, the scenes of Bimol spraying insecticide in the field look genuine. The costumes of the actors also match their respective roles. One thing that gives plus point to the film is the used of original music both background score and the songs unlike other popular films which adapts music from South Indian films. Lighting system in the film is also nice, neither too much contrast nor brightness. The choice of location blends well with the script, fresh and green village life with simple living style. As a typical Manipuri film, songs add more flavour to the film, the lyrics and music blend well with their respective situations. Literally the title of the film Tellanga Mamei means tail of a kite. Here in the film it means though Dr Sanahal is deprived of bringing up his only son, he still has unbreakable bond with his son. Because in the last scene he get holds of the kite’s tail though the child returns back to his mother, Thaja, with the kite in his hand.

            Oken Amakcham has successfully directed the film genuinely without any adulteration of foreign music. The actors have also played their respective role sincerely. Among the actors, Dinesh who played as Dr Sanahal was indeed good though he is a professional singer. This role was no less than his previous film Thajabagi Wangmada. Olen also did a good job as usual.

The film is well blended with romance, melodrama and some comic scenes. Film lovers can enjoy this film with their love ones and experience the beauty of the film. Once you watch the film, the songs are sure to find a place in your hearts.